Total solids in water equal the sum of dissolved and suspended solids. True or False?

Total solids in water equal the sum of dissolved and suspended solids. True or False?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only dissolved
• D. Only suspended

Answer: (B)

Total solids represent all solid material in water, whether it’s dissolved or not. Dissolved solids are the portion that exists in solution, while suspended solids are particles that don’t dissolve and are captured on a filter. If you combine these two fractions, you account for every solid present, which is the total solids. In practice, TS is found by evaporating the entire water sample and weighing the residue; TS can be split into dissolved solids and suspended solids to show their respective contributions. So the statement is true.

Total solids represent all solid material in water, whether it’s dissolved or not. Dissolved solids are the portion that exists in solution, while suspended solids are particles that don’t dissolve and are captured on a filter. If you combine these two fractions, you account for every solid present, which is the total solids. In practice, TS is found by evaporating the entire water sample and weighing the residue; TS can be split into dissolved solids and suspended solids to show their respective contributions. So the statement is true.