Suspended Solid
What is suspended solids in water (TSS)?
Suspended solids (TSS) are solid particles that are not dissolved and remain suspended in water. They can be of inorganic origin (silt, clay, iron and manganese oxides) or organic (humic substances, algae, microorganisms). These particles directly influence the clarity of the water and are responsible for the turbidity observed. They are generally measured in mg/L in water analyses
How do we consider suspended solids in water?
The level of suspended solids can affect the efficiency of drinking water treatment processes, such as filtration processes or UV reactors. Turbidity can be a good indication of an inadequate level of suspended solids at the source and in the treated water, and can impact the choice and operation of the treatment technique used. A particle size calculation can also be done to determine the size and quantity of particles in the water, and the choice of treatment can be adapted depending on whether it is a drinking water treatment or a process water treatment with special needs.
In summary, the TSS level and particle size are important inputs in the design and expected performance of a water treatment system.
Health and process problems
In drinking water, although suspended solids themselves are not always harmful, they can carry pathogenic microorganisms or contaminants adsorbed to their surface. Water with a high TSS content can therefore present an indirect health risk, by reducing the effectiveness of disinfection processes such as chlorine or ultraviolet. In process water, suspended solids can interfere with the manufacturing process or create operational problems with manufacturing instruments and equipment, such as breakage, decreased performance, or frequent maintenance.
Ultraviolet treatment
It is essential to reduce suspended solids upstream of an ultraviolet water treatment process, as suspended solids decrease the efficiency of UV reactors.
What causes suspended solids (TSS)?
The causes of suspended solids are varied and complex. They depend on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the water. Loosening of rocks and soils is the main natural cause of suspended solids. Human activity, such as the discharge of wastewater, is also a major cause of suspended solids in water. Surface water infiltration into wells can also cause turbidity. This is a phenomenon called: groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GUDI).
In process water, suspended solids can also be formed in the water as it moves from one process to another, as it comes into contact with products, equipment or dosing of substances.
Recommendations in Canada
Although there is no single standard for suspended solids in drinking water, they are indirectly controlled by turbidity, which must be ≤ 1.0 NTU at the inlet of the distribution system. For waste water, the current standard is 20 mg/L. It is also indirectly controlled by other contaminants, such as iron, manganese and total organic carbons
How is suspended solids treated?
Since there are several factors causing suspended solids in water, its treatment is complex. In fact, it may be necessary to identify the type, particle size of the water and assess the customer's tolerance in terms of size and quantity of suspended solids before being able to propose and test a solution. Typical treatments offered by Magnor for suspended solids are multimedia filters and cartridge filters, but other treatments may also be offered. Magnor can help you interpret the available water tests and select the appropriate combination of solutions.
How can Magnor help you?
Magnor specializes in the manufacture of drinking water treatment equipment and process water in the industrial and municipal sectors. We offer turnkey solutions for the control of suspended solids. Whether it is for a municipal project concerning the treatment of drinking water or for process water in a specific industry, Magnor adapts its different technologies according to your water flow needs.