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 by water and defined as the material retained by a TSS filter. Dissolved solids pass through that filter and remain as residue after the water is evaporated. Conventional granular or cartridge filters cannot remove dissolved ions because the ions exist at molecular scale and travel with the water. Removing them requires processes such as ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, or distillation. Colloids occupy the gray zone and may require coagulation or membrane filtration.