Saint Louis University

School of Engineering and Architecture

Department of Chemical Engineering

LABORATORY REPORT EVALUATION SHEET

Laboratory Course: ChE 424AL Schedule: 5:00-8:00 S

Experiment Number:
Experiment Title: Determination of Solids in Water
Group Number: 4 Date Performed: March , 2017
Group Members: Lungao, Louie Date Submitted: May 16, 2017
Abaggue, Trisha Mae
Badongen, Shaine
Bartolome, Glydelle
Padlan, Kimberly

CONTENTS TOTAL REMARKS SCORE

POINTS
I. Abstract 10
II. Chapter 1: Introduction 15
III. Chapter 2: Design and
10
Methodology
IV. Chapter 3: Results and
20
Discussion
V. Chapter 4: Conclusion and
10
Recommendation
VI. References 5
VII. Appendices
a. List and Uses of
Apparatus
15
b. Definition of Terms
c. Computations
d. Problems
VIII. Table of Contents/ List of
5
Tables/ List of Figures
IX. Format and Neatness 10

TOTAL POINTS: 100 SCORE:____________

Evaluated by: Engr. Katelyn G. Gabon DATE: May 16, 2017

DETERMINATION OF THE SOLIDS IN WATER

An experimental study presented to the

Faculty of the Department of Chemical Engineering

School of Engineering and Architecture

Saint Louis University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

By:

Trisha Mae Abaggue

Shaine Badongen

Glydelle Bartolome

Louie Lungao

Kimberly Padlan

May 16, 2017

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to thank

Engr. Katelyn G. Gabon, our very kind and sweet instructor for her knowledge and wisdom

in guiding and teaching us all the needed information regarding the experiments.

Also, to Sir. Francis and Maam. Jen, for helping us in preparing

the required materials for the experiments.

Above all, to God Almighty our savior.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
ABSTRACT iii
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Chapter 2: DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 4
Chapter 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 8
Chapter 4: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 22
REFERENCES 24
APPENDICES 25
APPENDIX A List and Uses of Apparatus 26
APPENDIX B Definition of Terms 28
APPENDIX C Tables 29
APPENDIX D Computations 41
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Weight of Crucible after Oven with Sample and without Sample 8
Table 3.2 Weight of Crucible after Furnace with Sample and without Sample 9
Table 3.3 Weight of Filter Paper from Oven with Sample and without Sample 10
Table 3.4 Weight of Filter Paper from Furnace without Sample 11
Table 3.5 Weight of Filter Paper from Furnace with Sample 12
Table 3.6 Total Dissolved Solids 13
Table 3.7 Total Suspended Solids 14
Table 3.8 Total Solids 15
Table 3.9 Fixed Dissolved Solids 16
Table 3.10 Fixed Suspended Solids 17
Table 3.11 Total Fixed Solids 18
Table 3.12 Volatile Dissolved Solids 19

iii
Table 3.13 Volatile Suspended Solids 20
Table 3.14 Total Volatile Solids 21
Table C.1. Constant Weighing for Crucible without Sample (Oven) 29
Table C.2. Constant Weighing for Crucible without Sample (Furnace) 30
Table C.3 Constant Weighing for Crucible B without Sample (Oven) 31
Table C.4. Constant Weighing for Crucible B without Sample (Furnace) 32
Table C.5 Constant Weighing for Crucible A with Sample (Oven) 33
Table C.6 Constant Weighing for Crucible A with Sample (Furnace) 34
Table C.7 Constant Weighing for Crucible B with Sample (Oven) 35
Table C.8 Constant Weighing for Crucible B with Sample (Furnace) 36
Table C.9 Constant Weighing for Filter Paper without Sample (Oven) 37
Table C.10 Constant Weighing for Filter Paper without Sample (Furnace) 38
Table C.11 Constant Weighing for Filter Paper with Sample (Oven) 39
Table C.12 Constant Weighing for Filter Paper with Sample (Furnace) 40

iv
 ABSTRACT

This experiment is conducted to determine the content of solids (Total Solids, Total
Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids and Total Volatile Solids) in water. The water samples
were taken from the Asin-Galliano River. The objective of this experiment is to determine the
quality and safety of the water sample. The procedure of this experiment starts with the constant
weighing of the crucibles and filters to be used. The experiment requires a very meticulous
handling and treating of the samples. After several weighing and reheating, the collected data were
tabulated in the previous chapter. Majority of the sampling points contained relatively high
concentration of solids. Several tables are presented with corresponding treatment. Furthermore,
computations were done to determine the contents of the solids. Percent errors were also included
in computation to know if the results had a minimal error. There have been numerous known
effects of solids in fresh water systems. This study will greatly help in the understanding of the
several effects of human activities on our environment.

Keywords: Total Solids, Total Volatile Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Total Dissolved Solids

v
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

TSS of a water or wastewater sample is determined by pouring a carefully measured

volume of water (typically one litre; but less if the particulate density is high, or as much as two

or three litres for very clean water) through a pre-weighed filter of a specified pore size, then

weighing the filter again after drying to remove all water. Filters for TSS measurements are

typically composed of glass fibres. The gain in weight is a dry weight measure of the particulates

present in the water sample expressed in units derived or calculated from the volume of water

filtered (typically milligrams per litre or mg/L).

If the water contains an appreciable amount of dissolved substances (as certainly would be

the case when measuring TSS in seawater), these will add to the weight of the filter as it is dried.

Therefore it is necessary to "wash" the filter and sample with deionized water after filtering the

sample and before drying the filter. Failure to add this step is a fairly common mistake made by

inexperienced laboratory technicians working with sea water samples, and will completely

invalidate the results as the weight of salts left on the filter during drying can easily exceed that of

the suspended particulate matter.

Although turbidity purports to measure approximately the same water quality property as

TSS, the latter is more useful because it provides an actual weight of the particulate material

present in the sample. In water quality monitoring situations, a series of more labor-intensive TSS

measurements will be paired with relatively quick and easy turbidity measurements to develop a

site-specific correlation. Once satisfactorily established, the correlation can be used to estimate

TSS from more frequently made turbidity measurements, saving time and effort. Because turbidity

1
 2

readings are somewhat dependent on particle size, shape, and color, this approach requires

calculating a correlation equation for each location. Further, situations or conditions that tend to

suspend larger particles through water motion (e.g., increase in a stream current or wave action)

can produce higher values of TSS not necessarily accompanied by a corresponding increase in

turbidity. This is because particles above a certain size (essentially anything larger than silt) are

not measured by a bench turbidity meter (they settle out before the reading is taken), but contribute

substantially to the TSS value.

Total suspended solids (TSS) is the retained material on a standard glass fiber filter after

filtration of a well-mixed sample. The determination is a gravimetric measurement of the residue

dried to a constant weight at 103 to 105C. This method is applicable to drinking, surface and

saline waters as well as domestic and industrial wastes over a range of 4 to 20,000 mg/L. Samples

high in filterable residues may be subject to positive interference. Selection of a filtering apparatus

allowing the washing of dissolved solids in the filter will minimize this interference.

Total Solids applies to the material residue remaining in a vessel after evaporation and

drying in an oven at 103-105C. A well-mixed sample is evaporated in a weighed dish and dried

to a constant weight in an oven. The increase in weight over that of the empty vessel represents

the total solids. The total solids value includes the combination of Total Suspended Solids and

Total Dissolved Solids. The Total Suspended Solids portion is the solids retained on a filter of

specified pore size as a sample is drawn through the filter after drying at 103-105C. A well-mixed

sample is vacuum filtered through a method specified glass-fiber filter and dried in an oven. The

filter and filter support must be prepared according to method specifications. The increase in

weight of the filter represents the suspended solids.

 3

The Total Dissolved Solids"are able to pass through the filter used for the total suspended

solids and are left as residue after evaporation and drying at 180C. A well-mixed sample is

vacuum filtered through the same filter used in the total suspended solids procedure. The filtered

liquid is then evaporated in a weighed vessel on a steam table and then dried in an oven. The

increase in the weight of the vessel represents the dissolved solids. The values for total suspended

and total dissolved solids are affected by the selection of filter and the preparation technique of the

filtering apparatus. The Fixed Solids is the term applied to the residue of any one of the following

Total Solids, Total Suspended Solids, or Total Dissolved Solids after igniting at 500 50C while

the weight lost after ignition is the Volatile Solids. If fixed and volatile solids are being determined

from the same samples being used in the determination of total, suspended or dissolved then the

drying vessels must be prepared in accordance with instructions for fixed and volatile solids.
 Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Pre-treatment:

The procedure of this experiment starts with the constant weighing of the crucibles and

filters to be used. To begin with, the crucibles and filter papers were properly labelled

according to purpose and group. Crucibles labelled with A will be used for total solids while

those with B will be used for the total dissolved solids.

The crucibles A and the filter papers were heated in an oven at 104C for 2 hours.

Then, they were allowed to cool to room temperature inside the oven before they were

transferred in a desiccator using a tong. Next, after 30 minutes to 1 hour, the crucibles and

filter papers were weighed individually. The cycle of heating, cooling, desiccating, and

weighing was repeated until a constant weight was obtained. This means that the difference

between the previous recorded weight and the current measured weight is 0.0003. It should

be noted that the heating time from the second run is only 1 hour.

The same process will be done for crucibles B, however, the oven temperature should

be 180C. After this, all the crucibles and filter papers were heated at 550C in a furnace for 2

hours. Then, they were allowed to cool to room temperature inside the furnace before they

were transferred in a desiccator using a tong. Next, after 30 minutes to 1 hour, the crucibles

and filter papers were weighed individually. After weighing, this process was repeated several

times until a constant weight was obtained. This means that the difference between the

previous recorded weight and the current measured weight is 0.0003. It should be noted that

the heating time from the second run is only 1 hour.

4
 5

Total Solids (TS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS):

For the total solids, 25 mL from the well-mixed sample was put in the crucible A. On

the other hand, another 25 mL sample was filtered using the Buchner funnel. The filtrate is

saved for the total dissolved solids. The crucible and filter paper were then evaporated to

dryness at 104C in an oven. Next, they were allowed to cool to room temperature in the oven

then were transferred to a desiccator to balance the temperature prior to weighing. After

weighing the crucible and filter paper separately, the cycle of drying, cooling, desiccating, and

weighing was repeated until a constant weight was obtained. This means that the difference

between the previous recorded weight and the current measured weight is 0.0003. The

increase in weight of the crucible and filter paper represents the total solids and total suspended

solids, respectively.

To determine the total fixed solids and fixed suspended solids, the crucible and filter

paper were further ignited at 550C in the muffle furnace, cooled, desiccated, and weighed.

The cycle was repeated until a constant weight was obtained.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):

The filtrate saved was put in the crucible B then it was evaporated to dryness at 180C

in an oven. Next, it was allowed to cool to room temperature in the oven then it was transferred

to a desiccator to balance the temperature prior to weighing. After weighing, the cycle of

drying, cooling, desiccating, and weighing was repeated until a constant weight was obtained.

This means that the difference between the previous recorded weight and the current measured

weight is 0.0003. The increase in weight represents the total dissolved solids. To determine

the fixed dissolved solids, the crucible was further ignited at 550C in the muffle furnace,

cooled, desiccated, and weighed. The cycle was repeated until a constant weight was obtained.
 6

Computation:

Total Solids (TS)

( ) (1000)2
= (2.1)

A = weight of dried residue and crucible A in grams (105C)

B = weight of crucible A in grams (105C)

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

( ) (1000)2
= (2.2)

A = weight of dried residue and crucible B in grams (180C)

B = weight of crucible A in grams (180C)

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

( ) (1000)2
= (2.3)

A = weight of filter paper and residue in grams (105C)

B = weight of filter paper in grams (105C)

Fixed and Volatile Solids

Volatile

( ) (1000)2
= (2.4)

Fixed
( ) (1000)2
= (2.5)

A = weight of residue and crucible (A/B) / filter paper before ignition, g (550C)
B = weight of residue and crucible (A/B) / filter paper after ignition, g (550C)
C = weight of filter paper, g (550C)
 7

Percent Error:
Total Solids:
|( + ) |
% = (2.6)
+
Total Fixed Solids:
|( + ) |
% = (2.7)
+
 Chapter 3
DATA AND RESULTS

Table 3.1 Weight of Crucible after Oven (180 C) with Sample and without Sample

Group #/ Schedule With Sample (grams) Without Sample (grams)

G1W A 26.5414 26.5340
G1W B 22.0572 22.0528
G2W A 26.4270 26.4175
G2W B 19.9985 19.9837
G3W A 27.5783 27.5681
G3W B 26.7565 26.7466
G4W A 27.1569 27.1513
G4W B 23.7843 23.7766
G5W A 25.6107 25.6065
G5W B 26.7670 26.7587
G6W A 27.8068 27.8026
G6W B 23.5473 23.5408
G1F A 29.1776 29.1744
G1F B 21.1505 21.1461
G2F A 22.0389 22.0350
G2F B 25.8962 25.8933
G3F A 22.1179 22.1147
G3F B 18.8579 18.8340
G4F A 21.8216 21.8177
G4F B 23.2652 23.2619
G5F A 25.9503 25.9459
G5F B 27.3428 27.3384
G6F A 21.5255 21.5206
G6F B 27.3567 27.3302
G1S A 23.4365 23.4310
G1S B 24.1785 241725
G2S A 26.0256 26.0195
G2S B 20.8902 20.8845
G3S A 24.6622 24.6633
G3S B 25.1967 25.1427
G4S A 23.4589 23.4598
G4S B 23.3809 23.3767
G5S A 26.5427 26.5357
G5S B 23.8432 23.8412
G6S A 27.4298 27.4219
G6S B 25.6446 25.6459

8
 9

Table 3.2 Weight of Crucible after Furnace (550 C) with Sample and without Sample

Group #/ Schedule With Sample (grams) Without Sample (grams)

G1W A 26.5404 26.5341
G1W B 22.0555 22.0308
G2W A 26.4237 26.4162
G2W B 19.9880 19.9844
G3W A 27.5760 27.5681
G3W B 26.7547 26.7471
G4W A 27.1559 27.1503
G4W B 23.7825 23.7770
G5W A 25.6102 25.6059
G5W B 26.7653 26.7577
G6W A 27.8055 27.8018
G6W B 23.5465 23.5410
G1F A 29.1778 29.1728
G1F B 21.1515 21.1466
G2F A 22.0380 22.0352
G2F B 25.8971 25.8933
G3F A 22.1164 22.1120
G3F B 18.8380 18.8344
G4F A 21.8214 21.8174
G4F B 23.2656 23.2615
G5F A 25.9507 25.9445
G5F B 27.3432 27.3384
G6F A 21.5247 21.5206
G6F B 27.3326 27.3278
G1S A 23.4355 23.4311
G1S B 24.1780 23.1726
G2S A 26.0845 26.0192
G2S B 20.8894 20.8853
G3S A 24.6622 24.6618
G3S B 25.1477 25.1424
G4S A 23.4532 23.4523
G4S B 23.3809 23.3757
G5S A 26.5413 26.5363
G5S B 23.8444 23.8404
G6S A 27.4278 27.4217
G6S B 25.6441 25.6385
 10

Table 3.3 Weight of Filter Paper from Oven (180 C) with Sample and without Sample

Group #/ Schedule With Sample (grams) Without Sample (grams)

G1W 0.0918 0.0937
G2W 0.0927 0.0938
G3W 0.0925 0.0929
G4W 0.0927 0.0938
G5W 0.0927 0.0938
G6W 0.0888 0.0896
G1F 0.0941 0.0953
G2F 0.0929 0.0937
G3F 0.0922 0.0942
G4F 0.0928 0.0940
G5F 0.0929 0.0934
G6F 0.0880 0.0898
G1S 0.0926 0.0933
G2S 0.0909 0.0930
G3S 0.0918 0.0922
G4S 0.0916 0.0941
G5S 0.0930 0.0941
G6S 0.0914 0.0930
 11

Table 3.4 Weight of Filter Paper from Furnace (550 C) without Sample

Group #/ Schedule Without Sample (grams)

G1W 0.0927
G2W 0.0922
G3W 0.0918
G4W 0.0926
G5W 0.0925
G6W 0.0887
G1F 0.0939
G2F 0.0927
G3F 0.0927
G4F 0.0925
G5F 0.0922
G6F 0.0884
G1S 0.0926
G2S 0.0920
G3S 0.0916
G4S 0.0923
G5S 0.0929
G6S 0.0917
 12

Table 3.5 Weight of Filter Paper from Furnace (550 C) with Sample

Group #/ Schedule With Sample (grams)

G1W 0.0912
G2W 0.0925
G3W 0.0922
G4W 0.0886
G5W 0.0920
G6W 0.0920
G1F 0.0938
G2F 0.0924
G3F 0.092
G4F 0.0922
G5F 0.0922
G6F 0.0878
G1S 0.0920
G2S 0.0927
G3S 0.0909
G4S 0.0902
G5S 0.0917
G6S 0.0911
 13

Table 3.6 Total Dissolved Solids

Group #/ Schedule Total Dissolved Solids; mg/L % Error

G1W 1056 0
G2W 164 0
G3W 376 0
G4W 292 0
G5W 372 0
G6W 252 0
G1F 148 0
G2F 140 17.1429
G3F 140 0
G4F 156 5.1282
G5F 176 0
G6F 356 0
G1S 228 0
G2S 196 0
G3S 1772 0
G4S 200 -4
G5S 112 0
G6S 452 54.8673

Concentrations of Total Dissolved Solid ranges from 112 to 1772 mg/L. A High

concentration is seen on group 3 of Saturday class and group 1 of Wednesday class have a high

content of inorganic salts which is unacceptable. Other concentrations gives lower

concentration which is excellent and acceptable for drinking purposes.

 14

Table 3.7 Total Suspended Solids

Group #/ Schedule Total Suspended Solids; mg/L % Error

G1W -36 44.4444
G2W 32 137.5
G3W 28 114.2857
G4W 4 2900
G5W 8 300
G6W 4 4100
G1F 8 350
G2F 28 200
G3F 16 200
G4F 8 400
G5F 28 14.2857
G6F -8 1000
G1S 0 0
G2S -44 190.9091
G3S 8 337.5
G4S -28 128.5714
G5S 4 700
G6S -12 333.3333

Total Suspended Solids calculated in the experiment ranges from -44 to 32 mg/ L.

Higher concentrations of TSS means that dirt are settling on the bottom or in a streambed. It

also indicates the decrease of effectiveness of water for drinking purposes.

 15

Table 3.8 Total Solids

Group #/ Schedule Total Solids; mg/L % Error % Error

(TSS+TDS) (TFS+TVS)
G1W 292 71.3725 34.2466
G2W 408 108.1633 0
G3W 408 0.9900 0.4902
G4W 264 10.8108 3.0303
G5W 192 49.4737 0
G6W -1392 643.75 0.0718
G1F 192 23.0769 0
G2F 148 11.9048 0
G3F 236 51.2821 0
G4F 168 2.4390 0
G5F 232 13.7255 0
G6F 196 43.6782 0
G1S 216 5.2632 0
G2S 256 68.4211 0
G3S 8 99.5506 0
G4S 248 44.1860 0
G5S 256 120.6897 0
G6S 288 34.5455 0

Amount of Total Solids calculated from the experiment ranges from -1392 to 408 mg/L

which are seen on the surface water such as creeks, lakes and stream. Low percent error are

calculated using the summation of TFS and TVS which indicates proper calculation. A higher

percent error using the summation of TSS and TDS.

 16

Table 3.9 Fixed Dissolved Solids

Group #/ Schedule Fixed Dissolved Solids; mg/L

G1W 988
G2W 144
G3W 304
G4W 220
G5W 304
G6W 220
G1F 188
G2F 152
G3F 144
G4F 164
G5F 192
G6F 192
G1S 216
G2S 164
G3S 212
G4S 208
G5S 156
G6S 184
 17

Table 3.10 Fixed Suspended Solids

Group #/ Schedule Fixed Suspended Solids; mg/L

G1W -60
G2W 12
G3W 16
G4W -160
G5W -20
G6W 132
G1F -76
G2F 44
G3F -12
G4F -20
G5F -16
G6F 16
G1S -192
G2S 0
G3S 44
G4S -64
G5S -16
G6S -24
 18

Table 3.11 Total Fixed solids

Group #/ Schedule Total Fixed Solids; mg/L % Error

G1W 352 170
G2W 276 36.3636
G3W 316 26.0870
G4W 224 200
G5W 172 500
G6W 148 104.4156
G1F 200 300
G2F 112 88.8889
G3F 176 6.6667
G4F 160 450
G5F 248 281.25
G6F 164 537.5
G1S 256 400
G2S 2612 103.0560
G3S 16 100
G4S 236 500
G5S 200 92.8571
G6S 244 63.6364
 19

Table 3.12 Volatile Dissolved Solids

Group #/ Schedule Volatile Dissolved Solids; mg/L

G1W 68
G2W 20
G3W 72
G4W 72
G5W 68
G6W 32
G1F -40
G2F -36
G3F -4
G4F -16
G5F -16
G6F 148
G1S 12
G2S 32
G3S -40
G4S 0
G5S -44
G6S 20
 20

Table 3.13 Volatile Suspended Solids

Group #/ Schedule Volatile Suspended Solids; mg/L

G1W 40
G2W 64
G3W 44
G4W 48
G5W 52
G6W 36
G1F 56
G2F 40
G3F 60
G4F 60
G5F 48
G6F 56
G1S 28
G2S 40
G3S 24
G4S 72
G5S 48
G6S 52
 21

Table 3.14 Total Volatile Solids

Group #/ Schedule Total Volatile Solids; mg/L % Error

G1W 40 170
G2W 132 36.3636
G3W 92 26.0870
G4W 40 200
G5W 20 500
G6W -1540 104.4156
G1F -8 300
G2F 36 88.8889
G3F 60 6.6667
G4F 8 450
G5F -16 300
G6F 32 537.5
G1S -40 200
G2S -2356 103.0560
G3S -8 100
G4S 12 500
G5S 56 92.8571
G6S 44 63.6364

An approximate of organic material are present in the sample. Negative concentration

indicates no organic matter but with a percent error higher than 100 doesnt guarantee the

accurate calculation and experimentation of each sample.

 Chapter 4
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Some of the most common pollutants in river systems occur as solids. Solids

determination in wastewater often classify solids into total solids (TS), total suspended solids

(TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and other solids such as the volatile solids removed after

heating at high temperatures. This experiment focuses on the determination solids

concentration in various sampling points along the Asin-Gallano River system. After several

weighing and reheating, the collected data were tabulated in the previous chapter. Majority of

the sampling points contained relatively high concentration of solids. There have been

numerous known effects of solids in fresh water systems.

Dissolved solids interact directly with living things, and the suspended solids directly

affect the visual quality of the water. Several factors might have contributed to presence of

high solids concentrations. Dissolve solids can come from various chemicals such as fertilizers

and other human anthropogenic wastes being discharged into the river water. Most of the

surrounding areas cover several farmlands and livestock herding grounds. Numerous resorts

and pools are also found near the sampling point which discharges their wastewater into the

river system. Based on this correlations, it is conclusive that human related activated have a

significant influence in the presence of solids in the river water system. Such significance

cannot be ignored if we were to consider the preservation of the diversity of our water system.

Thus, studies such as this greatly help in the understanding of the several effects of human

activities on our environment

22
 23

For future researchers, it is recommended to take extra care in handling the samples.

During the constant weighing process, it is very important to be mindful of everything, as the

tiniest error can cause the entire experiment. It is highly recommended that filter and crucible

will not absorb any moisture from surroundings as much as possible.

 24

References:

Degen, J. & F.E. Nussberger. 1956. Notes On The Determination Of Suspended

Solids. Sewage Ind. Wastes 28:237.

Chanin, G., E.H. Chow, R.B. Alexander & J. Powers. 1958. Use Of Glass Fiber

Filter Medium In The Suspended Solids Determination. Sewage Ind.

Wastes 30:1062.

Nusbaum, I. 1958. New Method For Determination Of Suspended Solids. Sewage

Ind. Wastes 30:1066.

Smith, A.L. & A.E. Greenberg. 1963. Evaluation Of Methods For Determining

Suspended Solids In Wastewater. J. Water Pollut. Control Fed. 35:940.

Wyckoff, B.M. 1964. Rapid Solids Determination Using Glass Fiber Filters. Water

Sewage Works 111:277.

National Council Of The Paper Industry For Air And Stream Improvement. 1975.

A Preliminary Review Of Analytical Methods For The Determination Of

Suspended Solids In Paper Industry Effluents For Compliance With Epa-Npdes

Permit Terms. Spec. Rep. No. 75-01. National Council Of The Paper Industry

For Air & Stream Improvement, New York, N.Y.

National Council Of The Paper Industry For Air And Stream Improvement. 1977.

A Study Of The Effect Of Alternate Procedures On Effluent Suspended Solids

Measurement. Stream Improvement Tech. Bull. No. 291, National Council Of

The Paper Industry For Air & Stream Improvement, New York, N.Y.

Trees, C.C. 1978. Analytical Analysis Of The Effect Of Dissolved Solids On

Suspended Solids Determination. J. Water Pollut. Control Fed. 50:2370.

 7

APPENDICES
 7

APPENDIX A
List and Uses of Apparatus
Pipette is a large chemical dropper used to transfer specific volume of liquid with the

help of pipetol.

Pipetol is used to draw up liquids through the pipette.

Beaker is used to contain and mix the solutions used in the experiment.

Ceramic crucible is an inorganic, non-metallic, often crystalline oxide used as a

container in which substances may be subjected to very high temperatures.

Evaporating dish is a small ceramic dish in which liquids are heated over a flame so

that they evaporate, leaving a solid residue.

Graduated cylinder is a piece of laboratory glassware used to measure the volume of

liquids. It is used to accurately measure the volume of chemicals.

Membrane filter paper is a micro-porous plastic films with specific pore size.

Electronic analytical balance is used to weigh the ceramic crucible and filter papers

for constant weighing with a high degree of precision.

Desiccators are sealable enclosures containing desiccants used for preserving

moisture-sensitive items. It is used to seal the ceramics and the membrane filter paper

Drying oven enables precise glassware drying or heating to the most complex,

controlled heating applications.

Suction flask is commonly used in filtering processes involving vacuum filtration,

often with a Buchner funnel or crucible funnel.

Glass fiber filter disks are glass fiber filters are made of pure borosilicate fibers and

are available in a wide range of flow rates and nominal pore sizes. The glass

26
 27

filter membranes below are available with or without binder resins and each membrane

disc filter can be sterilized by EtO, gamma, or autoclave.

Muffle furnace is a furnace with an externally heated chamber, the walls of which

radiantly heat the contents of the chamber, so that the material being heated has no

contact with the flame. It is used in heating the ceramic crucibles and the membrane

filter papers.
 APPENDIX B

Definition of Terms

Total Solids are material residue left in the vessel after evaporation of a sample and

its subsequent drying in the oven at 104C. It is the sum of the suspended and

dissolved solids in water.

Total Suspended Solids are solids in water that can be retained by a filter. TSS can

include a wide variety of material, such as silt, decaying plant and animal matter,

industrial wastes, and sewage.

Total Dissolved Solids are material residue that passed through the filter. It is a

measure of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in

a liquid in molecular, ionized or micro-granular suspended form.

Fixed Solids are the residue of total, suspended or dissolved solids after heating to

dryness at 550C. These are considered as inorganic (mineral) matter.

Volatile Solids are solids that remains after evaporation or filtration are dried,

weighed, and then ignited. The loss of weight by ignition at 550C.

Settleable Solids is a material settling out of suspension within a defined period.

Volatilization is the process whereby a dissolved sample is vaporised. In atomic

spectroscopy this is usually a two-step process.

28
 APPENDIX C

Complete Data

Table C.1 Constant Weighing For Crucible A without Sample (Oven)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5 Weight 6 Weight 7 Weight 8 Weight 9
G1W A 26.5341 26.5341 26.5340 26.5331 26.5342 26.5354 26.5340 26.5340
G2W A 26.4177 26.4178 26.4177 26.4171 26.4178 26.4183 26.4177 26.4175
G3W A 27.5677 27.5679 27.5676 27.5676 27.5679 27.5684 27.5679 27.5684 27.5681
G4W A 27.1505 27.1509 27.1503 27.1503 27.1510 27.1513
G5W A 25.6063 25.6062 25.6060 25.6057 25.6062 25.6065
G6W A 27.8027 27.8027 27.8029 27.8028 27.8027 27.8026
G1F A 29.1774 29.1744 29.1741 29.1737 29.1739 29.1747 29.1739 29.1745 29.1744
G2F A 22.0347 22.0346 22.0347 22.0335 22.0350 22.0350
G3F A 22.1143 22.1146 22.1141 22.1143 22.1146 22.115 22.1137 22.1144 22.1147
G4F A 21.8181 21.8177 21.8179 21.8179 21.8180 21.8184 21.8179 21.8177
G5F A 25.9459 25.946 25.9459 25.9453 25.9457 25.946 25.9459 25.9459
G6F A 21.52042 21.5203 21.5205 21.5208 21.5206 21.5213 21.5206 21.5206
G1S A 23.4308 23.4313 23.4306 23.4309 23.4308 23.4310
G2S A 26.0191 26.0192 26.0191 26.0186 26.0189 26.0197 26.0189 26.0195 26.0195
G3S A 26.6627 24.6628 24.6626 24.6626 24.6629 24.6634 24.6636 24.6633
G4S A 23.4600 23.4599 23.44595 23.4595 23.4599 23.4598
G5S A 26.5353 26.5353 26.5354 26.5351 26.5355 26.5357
G6S A 27.422 27.4214 27.4217 27.4213 27.4216 27.4221 27.4217 27.4222 27.4219

29
 30

Table C.2 Constant Weighing For Crucible A without Sample (Furnace)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5 Weight 6

G1W A 26.5326 26.5329 26.5338 26.5341
G2W A 26.4161 26.4156 26.4166 26.4168
G3W A 27.5666 27.5666 27.5678 27.5681
G4W A 27.1486 27.1496 27.1496 27.1501 27.1503
G5W A 25.6046 25.6046 25.606 25.6059
G6W A 27.8002 27.3002 27.8011 27.8015 27.8018
G1F A 29.1721 29.1724 29.1726 29.1728
G2F A 22.0328 22.0334 22.0349 22.0352
G3F A 22.1107 22.1114 22.1117 22.1120
G4F A 21.8167 21.8172 21.817 21.8176 21.8174
G5F A 25.9380 25.9439 25.9447 25.9445
G6F A 21.5199 21.5199 21.5206 21.5206
G1S A 23.4309 23.4305 23.4303 23.4311 23.4311
G2S A 26.0173 26.0183 26.0189 26.0192
G3S A 24.6662 26.6611 24.6611 24.6619 24.6615 24.6618
G4S A 23.4515 23.4515 23.4524 23.4523
G5S A 26.5341 26.5343 26.5360 26.5363
G6S A 27.4196 27.3931 27.4215 27.4211 27.4216 27.4217
 31

Table C.3 Constant Weighing For Crucible B without Sample (Oven)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5 Weight 6 Weight 7 Weight 8 Weight 9
G1W A 22.0520 22.0527 22.0529 22.0519 22.0520 22.0531 22.0522 22.0530 22.0528
G2W A 19.9836 19.9841 19.9838 19.9837 19.9826 19.9844 19.9835 19.9837
G3W A 26.7469 26.7469 26.7469 26.7899 26.7463 26.7466
G4W A 23.7765 23.7767 23.7765 23.7768 23.7760 23.7767 23.7761 23.7769 23.7766
G5W A 26.7589 26.7592 26.7588 26.7583 26.7588 26.7600 26.7578 26.7590 26.7587
G6W A 23.5413 23.5416 23.5414 23.5410 23.5403 23.5418 23.5407 23.5408
G1F A 21.1468 21.1464 21.1462 21.1462 21.1462 21.1469 21.1460 21.1461
G2F A 25.8931 25.8939 25.8932 25.8929 25.8928 25.8938 25.8929 25.8936 25.8933
G3F A 18.8344 18.8343 18.8344 18.8342 18.8329 18.8353 18.8339 18.8340
G4F A 23.2613 23.2615 23.2614 23.2614 23.2609 23.2618 23.2609 23.2615 23.2618
G5F A 27.3392 27.3391 27.3387 27.3385 27.3384 27.3389 27.3380 27.3386 27.3384
G6F A 27.3307 27.3308 27.3310 27.3290 27.3296 27.3307 27.3299 27.3300 27.3302
G1S A 24.1733 24.1730 24.1726 24.1741 24.1723 24.1729 24.1722 24.1725
G2S A 20.8849 20.8851 20.8849 20.8844 20.8844 20.8850 20.8843 20.8848 20.8845
G3S A 25.1429 25.1430 25.1428 25.1421 25.1423 25.1439 25.1422 25.1429 25.1427
G4S A 23.3779 23.3776 23.3770 23.3771 23.3769 23.3777 23.3769 23.3767
G5S A 23.8417 23.8436 23.8412 23.8414 23.8404 23.8418 23.8412 23.8412
G6S A 25.6463 25.6466 25.6458 25.6418 26.6448 25.6467 25.6456 25.6459
 32

Table C.4 Constant Weighing For Crucible B without Sample (Furnace)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5 Weight 6

G1W B 22.0496 22.0505 22.0503 22.0507 22.0508
G2W B 20.0035 19.9836 19.9838 19.9842 19.9844
G3W B 26.7462 26.7462 26.7463 26.7469 26.7471
G4W B 23.7791 23.7769 23.7769 23.7770
G5W B 26.7569 26.7571 26.7572 26.7576 26.7577
G6W B 23.5409 23.5409 23.5409 23.5410
G1F B 21.1460 21.1463 21.1464 21.1466
G2F B 25.8927 25.8926 25.8930 25.8933
G3F B 18.8478 18.8340 18.8338 18.8342 18.8344
G4F B 23.2622 23.2607 23.2613 23.2615
G5F B 27.3376 27.3378 27.3379 27.3383 27.3384
G6F B 27.3281 27.3276 27.3278 27.3178
G1S B 24.1745 24.1711 24.1723 23.1726
G2S B 20.8843 20.8842 20.8850 20.8845 20.8850 20.8853
G3S B 26.1421 26.1415 25.1421 25.1427 25.1422 25.1424
G4S B 23.3745 23.3740 23.3746 23.3751 23.3755 23.3757
G5S B 23.8397 23.8397 23.8404 23.8404
G6S B 25.6380 25.6384 25.6382 25.6385
 33

Table C.5 Constant Weighing For Crucible A with Sample (Oven)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5

G1WA 26.5420 26.5419 26.5414
G2WA 26.4273 26.4274 26.4270
G3WA 27.5791 27.5788 27.5786 27.5780 27.5783
G4WA 27.1568 27.1575 27.1569
G5WA 25.6108 25.6112 25.6107
G6WA 27.8069 27.8071 27. 8064 27.7670
G1FA 29.1778 29.1782 29.1776
G2FA 22.0390 22.0392 22.0387 22.0389
G3FA 22.1180 22.1183 22.1179
G4FA 21.8220 21.8222 21.8218 21.8214 21.8216
G5FA 25.9505 25.9507 25.9503
G6FA 21.5259 21.5261 21.5255
G1SA 23.4365 23.4370 23.4365 23.4365
G2SA 26.0257 26.0258 26.0254 26.0256
G3SA 24.6621 24.6624 24.6617 24.6621 24.6620
G4SA 23.4585 23.4591 23.4587 23.4585
G5SA 26.5429 26.5429 26.5429 26.5427
G6SA 27.4305 27.4360 27.4299 27.4289
 34

Table C.6 Constant Weighing For Crucible A with Sample (Furnace)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3

G1WA 26.5407 26.5409 26. 5404
G2WA 26.0567 26.4238 26.4237
G3WA 27.5768 27.5773 27.5760
G4WA 27.1565 27.1561 27.1559
G5WA 25.6101 25.6103 25.6102
G6WA 27.8053 27.8057 27.8055
G1FA 29.1775 29.1777 29.1778
G2FA 22.0383 22.0387 22.0380
G3FA 22.1167 22.1182 22.1164
G4FA 21.8210 21.8212 21.8214
G5FA 25.9501 25.9501 25.9507
G6FA 21.5252 21.5254 21.5247
G1SA 23.4364 23.4374 23.4355
G2SA 26.0242 26.0272 26.0845
G3SA 24.6620 24.6627 24.6622
G4SA 23.4580 23.4577 23.4582
G5SA 26.5424 26.5423 26.5413
G6SA 27.4285 27.4283 27.4278
 35

Table C.7 Constant Weighing For Crucible B with Sample (Oven)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5

G1W B 22.0575 22.0576 22.0579 22.0573 22.0572
G2W B 19.9885 19.9887 19.9891 19.9885 19.9885
G3W B 26.7567 26.7563 26.7564 26.7565
G4W B 23.7841 23.7843 23.7842 23.7843
G5W B 26.7673 26.7676 26.7677 26.7672 26.7670
G6W B 23.5470 23.5473 23.5473 23.5473
G1F B 21.1503 21.1509 21.1505 21.1505
G2F B 25.8970 25.8971 25.8968 25.8962
G3F B 18.8381 18.8379 18.8376 18.8379
G4F B 23.2657 23.2655 23.2655 23.2651 23.2652
G5F B 27.3433 27.3434 27.3437 27.3428 27.3428
G6F B 27.3367 27.3366 27.3371 27.3365 27.3363
G2S B 20.8902 20.8906 20.8907 20.8901 20.8902
G3S B 25.1471 25.1473 25.1469 25.1467
G4S B 23.3809 23.3808 23.3808 23.3809
G5S B 23.8433 23.8430 23.8432 23.8432
G6S B 25.6450 25.6449 25.6455 25.6449 25.6446
 36

Table C.8 Constant Weight for Crucible B with Sample (Furnace)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3

G1W 22.0555 22.0564 22.0567
G2W 19.988 19.9881 19.9877
G3W 26.7547 26.7553
G4W 23.7825 23.7843
G5W 26.7653 26.7656 26.7657
G6W 23.5465 23.5461
G1F 21.1515 21.1509
G2F 25.8971 25.8971
G3F 18.8380 18.8374 23.2648
G4F 23.2656 23.2654 23.3433
G5F 27.3432 21.5254
G6F 27.3326 27.3336 27.3344
G1S 24.178 24.1776
G2S 20.8894 20.8294 20.8873
G3S 25.1477 25.1478
G4S 23.3809 23.3810
G5S 23.8443 23.8445
G6S 25.6441 25.6444 25.6442
 37

Table C.9 Constant Weighing For Filter Paper without Sample (Oven)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4

G1WA 0.0935 0.0939 0.0938 0.0937
G2WA 0.0941 0.0940 0.0941 0.0934
G3WA 0.0934 0.0931 0.0931 0.0937
G4WA 0.0936 0.0937 0.0939 0.0939
G5WA 0.0944 0.0933 0.0937 0.0939
G6WA 0.0903 0.0899 0.0896 0.0900
G1FA 0.0953 0.0952 0.0952 0.0970
G2FA 0.0933 0.0934 0.0937 0.0935
G3FA 0.0942 0.0940 0.0939 0.0942
G4FA 0.0937 0.0935 0.0939 0.0943
G5FA 0.0942 0.0938 0.0935 0.0937
G6FA 0.0902 0.0897 0.0895 0.0896
G1SA 0.0933 0.0938 0.0938 0.0933
G2SA 0.0929 0.0933 0.0931 0.0932
G3SA 0.0932 0.0929 0.0923 0.0922
G4SA 0.0934 0.0939 0.0380 0.0940
G5SA 0.0952 0.0944 0.0942 0.0942
G6SA 0.0936 0.0930 0.0929 0.0930
 38

Table C.10 Constant Weighing For Filter Paper without Sample (Furnace)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 W1-W2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5 Weight 6 Weight 7 Weight 8
G1WA 0.0926 0.0929 0.0003 0.0924 0.0927 0.0938 0.0937
G2WA 0.0923 0.0921 0.0002 0.0927 0.0922 0.0935 0.0928 0.0938 0.0938
G3WA 0.0918 0.0917 0.0001 0.0918 0.0918 0.0930 0.0929
G4WA 0.0926 0.0924 0.0002 0.0927 0.0926 0.0938 0.0938
G5WA 0.0925 0.0923 0.0002 0.0925 0.0925 0.0938 0.0938
G6WA 0.0886 0.0883 0.0003 0.0887 0.0887 0.0899 0.0896
G1FA 0.0936 0.0939 0.0003 0.0942 0.0939 0.0956 0.0953
G2FA 0.0918 0.0920 0.0002 0.0927 0.0927 0.0938 0.0937
G3FA 0.0926 0.0925 0.0001 0.0927 0.0927 0.0942 0.0942
G4FA 0.0926 0.0928 0.0002 0.0926 0.0925 0.0943 0.0940
G5FA 0.0928 0.0920 0.0008 0.0922 0.0922 0.0936 0.0934
G6FA 0.0866 0.0884 0.0002 0.0884 0.0884 0.0901 0.0898
G1SA 0.0910 0.0924 0.0014 0.0926 0.0926 0.0936 0.0933
G2SA 0.0928 0.0930 0.0002 0.0920 0.0920 0.0932 0.0930
G3SA 0.0912 0.0901 0.0011 0.0917 0.0916 0.0923 0.0922
G4SA 0.0924 0.0922 0.0002 0.0923 0.0923 0.0941 0.0941
G5SA 0.0927 0.0925 0.0002 0.0931 0.0929 0.0942 0.0941
G6SA 0.0915 0.0916 0.0001 0.0916 0.0917 0.0930 0.0930
 40

Table C.11 Constant Weighing For Filter Paper with Sample (Oven)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3 Weight 4 Weight 5 Weight 6

G1WA 0.0927 0.0928 0.0926 0.0928 0.092 0.0918
G2WA 0.0922 0.0931 0.0927 0.0924 0.0929 0.0927
G3WA 0.0918 0.0922 0.0919 0.0918 0.0926 0.0925
G4WA 0.0926 0.0926 0.0924 0.09256 0.0927
G5WA 0.0925 0.0927 0.0927 0.0925 0.0927
G6WA 0.0887 0.0888 0.0888 0.0886 0.0888
G1FA 0.0939 0.0941 0.0939 0.0938 0.0941
G2FA 0.0927 0.0928 0.0930 0.0930 0.0929
G3FA 0.0927 0.0925 0.0924 0.0928 0.0922
G4FA 0.0925 0.0929 0.0929 0.0927 0.0927
G5FA 0.0922 0.0930 0.0929 0.0930 0.0929
G6FA 0.0884 0.0884 0.0883 0.0879 0.0882
G1SA 0.0926 0.0931 0.0927 0.0929 0.0926
G2SA 0.0920 0.0931 0.0924 0.0911 0.0906 0.0909
G3SA 0.0916 0.0929 0.0911 0.0920 0.0918
G4SA 0.0923 0.0931 0.0920 0.0917 0.0915
G5SA 0.0929 0.0931 0.0926 0.0927 0.0930
G6SA 0.0917 0.0925 0.0917 0.0915 0.0914
 43

Table C.12 Constant Weighing For Filter Paper with Sample

(Furnace)

Group #/ Schedule Weight 1 Weight 2 Weight 3

G1WA 0.0916 0.0915 0.0912
G2WA 0.0927 0.0927 0.0925
G3WA 0.0923 0.0922
G4WA 0.0885 0.0886
G5WA 0.0925 0.0926 0.092
G6WA 0.0922 0.092
G1FA 0.0935 0.0938
G2FA 0.0926 0.0924
G3FA 0.092 0.092
G4FA 0.0925 0.0924 0.0922
G5FA 0.0927 0.0927 0.0922
G6FA 0.0877 0.0878 0.0878
G1SA 0.0915 0.092
G2SA 0.0909 0.0927 0.0927
G3SA 0.0906 0.0909
G4SA 0.091 0.0902
G5SA 0.0925 0.0917
G6SA 0.0915 0.0912 0.0911
 43

APPENDIX D

Computations

Sample computation for Coplo Bridge

TOTAL SOLIDS: TS

(23.4585 23.4523) 10002

= = 248
25

A= wt. of residue + crucible A @105

B= wt. of crucible A @ 550

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS: TDS

(23.3807 23.3757) 10002

= = 200
25

A= wt. of residue + crucible B @ 180

B= wt. of crucible B @ 550

TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS: TSS

(0.0916 0.0923) 10002
= = 28
25
A= wt. of filter paper with sample @ 180
B= wt. of filter paper without sample @ 550

FIXED SUSPENDED SOLIDS: FSS

(0.0907 0.0923)
= = 64

A= wt. of filter paper w/ residue at 550oC
B= wt of filter paper at 550oC
 43

FIXED DISSOLVED SOLIDS: FDS

(23.3809 23.3757) 10002

= = 208
25
A= wt. of crucible B w/ residue at 550oC
B= wt of crucible B at 550oC

TOTAL FIXED SOLIDS: TFS

( )
=

VOLATILE DISSOLVED SOLIDS: VDS

A = weight (g) of residue and crucible B at 180 C

B = weight (g) of residue and crucible B at 550 C

(23.3809 23.3809) 10002

= =0
25

VOLATILE SUSPENDED SOLIDS: VSS

A = wt. of dried residue + filter paper at 105C

B = wt. of dried residue + filter paper at 550 C

(0.0923 0.0941)10002
VSS = = 72
25
TOTAL VOLATILE SOLIDS

A = wt. of dried residue + wt. crucible A after oven at 105C

B = wt. of dried residue + crucible A after furnace at 550 C

(23.4585 23.4582)10002
TVS = = 12
25

% DIFFERENCE

%TS

TS (TSS + TDS)
% error = x 100%
TDS

(248) ((36) + 200)

% error = x100
248
= 33.8710 %

%TFS

TFS (FDS + FSS)

% error = x 100 %
TFS

236 [208 + (56)]

% error = x 100 %
236

= 35.5932 %

% TVS

TVS (VDS + VSS)

% error = x 100 %
TVS

12 [0 + (52)]
% error = x 100 %
12

= -333.3333 %
 43

% TS

TS (TFS + TVS)
% error = x 100 %
TS

248 (236 + 12)

% error = x 100 %
248

=0%

% TDS

TDS (FDS + VDS)

% error = x 100 %
TDS

200 (208 + 0)
% error = x 100 %
200

= -4 %

% TVS

TSS (FSS + VSS)

% error = x 100 %
TSS

36 [64 + (52)]
% error = x 100 %
36

= 66.6667 %