Problem 3.1: What is the difference between suspended
From Chapter 3 Problem Set. Level 1: Conceptual Mastery.
Question
What is the difference between suspended solids and dissolved solids? Why can’t dissolved solids be removed by conventional filtration?
Answer
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Suspended solids are particles physically carried in water (silt, clay, bacteria) - typically 2–100 microns. Dissolved solids are ions and molecules that interact with water at the molecular level, held in solution by hydration shells - typically a few nanometers. Conventional filters cannot catch dissolved ions because they are far smaller than filter pore sizes and are electrostatically bound to water.