EAB 3209 (Agricultural Waste Management)

LAB W2: Determination of Total Solids and Volatile Solids

Introduction:

Total solids is a measure of the suspended and dissolved solids in water. Suspended solids are
those that can be retained on a water filter and are capable of settling out of the water column
onto the stream bottom when stream velocities are low. They include silt, clay, plankton, organic
wastes, and inorganic precipitates such as those from acid mine drainage. Dissolved solids are
those that pass through a water filter. They include some organic materials, as well as salts,
inorganic nutrients, and toxins.

The concentration of dissolved solids in stream water is important because it determines the flow
of water in and out of the cells of aquatic organisms. Also, some dissolved inorganic elements
such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are nutrients essential for life. Low concentrations of
total solids can result in limited growth of aquatic organisms due to nutrient deficiencies.

Procedures:

1. Select 10 mL sample volume.

2. Mix sample well and measure into a graduated cylinder to the selected volume.

3. Pour the measured volume into the pre-weighed dish.

4. Rinse any sample from the graduated cylinder into the evaporating dish with a small amount
of distilled water.

5. Dry evaporated dish and sample for at least 1 hour at 103-105°C.

6. Remove dish from drying oven and cool in a desiccator to room temperature.

7. Weigh dish and sample and record weight.

8. Repeat step of drying, cooling, desiccating, and weighing until a constant weight is obtained, or
until weight change is less than 4% of previous weight or 0.5 mg, whichever is less.

9. Continue the dried dish + sample for volatile solids determination by heating the dish
in the furnace at 550oC for two hours.

10. Repeat step of drying, cooling, desiccating, and weighing until a constant weight is
obtained, or until weight change is less than 4% of previous weight or 0.5 mg, whichever
is less.
Calculations:

sample collection date: ______ time: ______

sample location: _______________________________
analysis run date: _____ time: ______
preservative used: ______
sample volume (mL): ______

Sample #1 Sample #2 Sample #3

weight of dish + sample (g), A

weight of dish + dried sample (g), B

Total solids (mg/L)

Weight of furnaced dish + sample (g), C

Volatile solids (mg/L)

(A – B) g X 1000 mg/g
mg total solids/L = X 1000 mL/L
sample volume, mL

where:
A = Evaporating dish and dried sample weight, g
B = Evaporating dish and sample weight, g.

Example. Assume the following data:

Volume of sample = 75 mL
Evaporating dish and sample = 35.4739 g
Evaporating dish and dried sample = 35.4323 g

1. 35.4739 g - 35.4323 g = 0.0416 g

2. 0.0416 g x 1,000 mg/g = 41.6 mg
3. 41.6 mg/75 mL = 0.555 mg/mL
4. 0.555 mg/mL x 1,000 mL/L = 555 mg/L

(B – C) g X 1000 mg/g
mg volatile solids/L = X 1000 mL/L
sample volume, mL

Quiz:

1. What equipment, apparatus or instrumentation is required to perform the total

solids test?

2. What can interfere with the total solids test?

3. Given the information below, calculate the total solids of the samples: Influent is
water that "flows in". This is the raw, untreated wastewater. Effluent means to "flow
out". ... This water is safe for discharge to lakes or rivers.

Sample #1: Influent

Sample Volume: 50 mL
Tare & Dried Solids Weight: 37.259 g
Tare : 37.229 g

Sample #2: Effluent

Sample Volume: 75 mL
Tare & Dried Solids Weight: 38.4325 g
Tare: 38.4225 g