Title: Determination of Total Solids in Wastewater Sample Using a China

Dish

1. Introduction
The concentration of solids in wastewater is an important parameter used to assess
the pollution level and treatability of the wastewater. Total Solids (TS) represent
the sum of both suspended and dissolved solids in the water, and their
measurement is crucial for evaluating the overall quality and treatment
requirements of wastewater. Total solids include organic and inorganic matter, and
their concentration can affect processes like filtration, sedimentation, and biological
treatment.

2. Basic Definitions
 Total Solids (TS): The sum of suspended solids and dissolved solids in a
water sample.These include both organic and inorganic materials.
 Suspended Solids (SS): Solid particles that are not dissolved in water and
can be removed by filtration.
 Dissolved Solids (DS): Soluble materials in water that pass through a filter.

3. Objective/Significance
 Objective: To determine the total solids content in a wastewater sample by
evaporating the water using a china dish and measuring the residual solids.
 Significance: Measuring total solids is crucial for understanding the strength
of wastewater and its potential impact on the environment. High total solids
content can reduce the efficiency of water treatment processes, contribute to
pollution, and affect the quality of water bodies receiving the wastewater.

4. Apparatus
 China dish
 Hot air oven (capable of heating to 103°C – 105°C)
 Desiccator (to cool samples)
 Analytical balance (sensitivity of 0.001 g)
 Wastewater sample
 10 ml Test tube (for sample collection)
  Tongs or gloves (to handle hot dishes)

5. Procedure
o Thoroughly clean and dry the china dish to remove any impurities.

o Place the empty china dish in the hot air oven at 103°C – 105°C for
about 1 hour to ensure it is completely dry.
o Remove the china dish from the oven using tongs or gloves and place
it in a desiccator to cool down to room temperature.
o Weigh the empty china dish using an analytical balance and record its
mass (W1).
o Measure a known volume of the wastewater sample (10 mL) using a
test tube.
o Pour the wastewater sample into the pre-weighed china dish.

o Place the china dish with the sample in the hot air oven at 103°C –
105°C and allow the water to evaporate completely, leaving behind the
solid residue.
o This process will take 2 to 2.5 hours( depending on the water content)
and ensure that all moisture has been removed.
o After the water has evaporated, keep the china dish in the oven for an
additional 1 hour to
o Carefully remove the china dish using tongs and place it in the
desiccator to cool.
o Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, weigh the dish and the
dried residue on the analytical balance and record the mass (W2).

6. Observations and Calculations

Sample Mass of Empty Dish Mass of Dish + Total Solids (W2 -

Volume (mL) (W1, g) Residue (W2, g) W1, g)

10 mL 68.390 68.401 0.011

2. Total Solids Concentration (mg/L): To express the concentration of total

solids in milligrams per liter (mg/L), use the formula:
Total Solids Concentration (mg/L)=( W2−W1)(g)/samlple(mL)×10^6=(0.011/10)
*10^6=1100mg/L
This gives the total solids concentration of the wastewater sample.

8. Results
 Result: The total solids content in the wastewater sample is calculated as
_1100___ mg/L.

9. Conclusion
The experiment successfully determined the total solids content in a wastewater
sample by evaporating the sample and weighing the residual solids. Monitoring total
solids is critical in assessing wastewater strength, evaluating treatment processes,
and ensuring the protection of water resources from pollution.

10. Precautions
 Ensure the china dish is thoroughly cleaned and dried before use to avoid
contamination that could affect the results.
 Handle the china dish with tongs or gloves to avoid burns and ensure
accurate weighing.
 Allow sufficient time for cooling in the desiccator before weighing the dish to
prevent mass changes due to moisture absorption.
Title: Determination of Settleable Solids in a Wastewater Sample Using an
Imhoff Cone

1. Introduction
Settleable solids refer to the fraction of suspended solids in wastewater that can
settle out of the liquid phase under the influence of gravity. This measurement is
important for assessing the sedimentation characteristics of wastewater, which
directly impacts treatment processes such as sedimentation and filtration. The
Imhoff cone is a specialized device used for measuring settleable solids by allowing
the sample to settle over a specified period, typically1 hour. The volume of settled
solids provides critical information for evaluating wastewater treatment efficiency
and designing treatment systems.

2. Basic Definitions
  Settleable Solids: The portion of suspended solids in a liquid that can settle
under gravitational forces within a defined period.
 Imhoff Cone: A cone-shaped transparent vessel designed to facilitate the
settling of solids from a liquid sample, typically used for determining
settleable solids in wastewater.
 Suspended Solids: Particles that are dispersed in the water and do not
dissolve, which can be removed through physical processes like
sedimentation or filtration.

3. Objective/Significance
 Objective: To determine the concentration of settleable solids in a
wastewater sample using an Imhoff cone.
 Significance: Understanding the concentration of settleable solids is
essential for evaluating wastewater treatment processes, predicting
sedimentation rates, and assessing the effectiveness of settling tanks. High
concentrations of settleable solids can lead to operational problems in
treatment facilities and negatively impact water quality in receiving bodies.

4. Apparatus
 Imhoff cone (usually 1-liter capacity)
 Wastewater sample
 Graduated cylinder or measuring container (for sample collection)
 Stopwatch or timer
 Stirring rod or mixer (for homogenizing the sample)

5. Procedure
o Collect a representative sample of wastewater in a graduated
container, ensuring it is well-mixed to obtain uniformity. The volume
should typically be 1 liter for the Imhoff cone.
o Place the Imhoff cone on a stable, level surface.

o If the sample is particularly turbid, gently mix the wastewater sample

using a stirring rod or mixer.
o Pour the wastewater sample into the Imhoff cone until it reaches the 1-
liter mark. Avoid introducing air bubbles during the transfer, as they
can affect settling.
 o Allow the sample to sit undisturbed for 1 hour. Use a stopwatch or
timer to keep track of the settling time.
o After1 hour, observe the cone. The settleable solids will have formed a
distinct layer at the bottom of the cone.
o Measure the height of the settled solids column (in milliliters) at the
bottom of the cone. This volume represents the amount of settleable
solids in the sample.

6. Observations and calculations

Sample Initial Volume of Settleable Concentration of Settleable

No. Volume (L) Solids (mL) Solids (mL/L)

1 4 4

Concentration of Settleable Solids (mL/L)= Volume of Settleable Solids

(mL)/ Initial Volume (L)=4mL/1L=4mL/L

8. Results
 Result: The concentration of settleable solids in the wastewater sample was
determined to be ___4_ mL/L.

9. Conclusion
The determination of settleable solids using an Imhoff cone provided valuable
insights into the solid content of the wastewater sample. This measurement is
critical for evaluating the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes and
ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

10. Precautions
 Ensure the Imhoff cone is clean and free of residues before starting the
experiment to avoid contamination.
 Allow the sample to settle undisturbed during the settling period to ensure
accurate measurement.
 Handle the cone with care to avoid tipping, which could disturb the settled
solids and affect the results.