Florida Wastewater Practice Test

What chemical should be used on a sample for total suspended solids (TSS) analysis?

1. Flocculant

2. Aging reagent

3. Nothing

4. Acidifier

The correct answer is: Nothing

For total suspended solids (TSS) analysis, the appropriate handling of the sample is crucial to obtaining accurate measurements. The correct answer indicates that no chemicals should be added to the sample prior to analysis. Total suspended solids are measured by filtering a known volume of water through a filter, drying the residue, and weighing it. This process is designed to capture all particulate matter suspended in the water without altering its composition. Adding a chemical like a flocculant or an acidifier could interfere with the natural composition of the sample, potentially either precipitating solids or altering the state of the materials that should be measured. Therefore, keeping the sample unaltered ensures that the results reflect the true concentration of suspended solids in the original water sample, maintaining the integrity of the analysis process.