Some sediment will settle to the bottom of a body of water, while others remain suspended. The more solids present in the water, the less clear the water will be. Total suspended solids are a significant factor in observing water clarity 3. Even chemical precipitates are considered a form of suspended solids 20. As algae, plants and animals decay, the decomposition process allows small organic particles to break away and enter the water column as suspended solids 17. Organic particles from decomposing materials can also contribute to the TSS concentration. These solids include anything drifting or floating in the water, from sediment, silt,and sand to plankton and algae 1. Most suspended solids are made up of inorganic materials, though bacteria and algae can also contribute to the total solids concentration 3.
Anything smaller than 2 microns (average filter size) is considered a dissolved solid. Total suspended solids (TSS) are particles that are larger than 2 microns found in the water column. What are Total Suspended Solids? Both organic and inorganic particles of all sizes can contribute to the suspended solids concentration. Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids & Water Clarity
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