Universiti Teknologi MARA

Faculty of Applied Science

B.Sc (Hons) Environmental Technology
(AS 229)
Water Resource Technology
(EVT 525)
Experiment 4:
Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS)

Prepared by :
Heryl Bryn Hendry
2011909303
Prepared for :
PUAN NIK AZLIN BINTI NIK ARIFFIN
Experiment Date :
3rd April 2012
Submission Date :
10th April 2012

Title
Volatile Suspended Solids

Objective
To obtain an approximation of the amount of insoluble organic matter present in the water
sample

Apparatus
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Muffle furnace preheated to 550oC

Dessicator
Analytical balance
Aluminum foil
Pincers

Method
1. The SS from the experiment 3 was wrapped with aluminium foil and it was ignited at 550oC
in the Muffle furnace for half an hour. In operating the furnace, the help of the laboratory
assistant was asked.
2. The SS was then cooled in a desiccator and weighed. The process was repeated until a
constant weight obtained.

Result

Filter Disk + Solids

Weight (g)
Filter Disk + Solids (after ignition)

0.2122

0.2101

0.2118

0.2088

Average

0.2120

0.2095

Calculations
The volatile suspended solids in the sample water was calculated using the following equation:
AB

Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) =

X 106
C

0.2117 0.2095
X 106
10

220

Discussion
The end product of this experiment can also be called as the residue which is left after filtration.
It may be organic or inorganic and may come from decay products of vegetation, from organic
chemicals or from organic gases. The surging concentration of this residue will prompt in a
dipleasing color, tastes, and odors of the water bodies. Some may be able to be carcinogenic due
to its chemical constituents that bond with water molecule.
Volatile suspended solids are measure obtained from the loss on ignition of total suspended
solids (TSS). The insolubles in SS from the previous experiment are combusted at
550 oC and weighed.

Questions
1. Can this experiment be performed by using ordinary filter paper?
Cannot because ordinary filter paper could not withstand the high temperature within the
furnace.
2. What is the significance of VSS in wastewater?
The significance of VSS could indicate the presence of dissolved material which the elevated
concentrations can worsen the condition of the wastewater and will eventually affect the
water bodies.

Conclusion
The objective is achieved.

References
Howard S., Donald R., George T., Environmental Engineering, McGraw-Hill International
Edition 1985, pg. 28-29