ABOUT TSS
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) is a measurement of the total solids in a water or wastewater sample that are retained by filtration.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
TSS is an important water quality parameter measure for wastewater treatment operations and environmental health. Wastewater contains large quantities of suspended organic and inorganic material that must be removed through screening, filtration or settling/flotation methods prior to environmental discharge. TSS will also have adverse affects on UV disinfection blocking/scattering UV light bound for pathogen disinfection or alternatively requiring higher intensity for proper disinfection, increasing energy costs.
If TSS is not removed properly through treatment, high concentrations can lower the water quality in the receiving environment. The suspended solids absorb light, causing increased water temperature and decreased oxygen which creates an unfavorable environment for aquatic life. For this reason, total suspended solids effluent levels are often regulated for wastewater treatment plants discharging to the environment, such as NPDES permits. It is also advantageous to monitor TSS in conjunction with BOD and COD as part of the BOD/COD is in the TSS form.
ONLINE TSS SENSOR
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