ABSTRACT
Solids refer to matter suspended or dissolved in water and wastewater. Solids may affect water or effluent quality adversely in a number of ways. Waters with high dissolved solids generally are not desirable for drinking water purposes, and unsuitable for many industrial applications. The clarity of a natural body of water is a major determinant of the condition and productivity of that system. Turbidity in water is caused by suspended matter, such as clay silt, finely divided organic and inorganic matter, soluble colored organic compounds, and plankton and other microscopic organisms. Turbidity measurement is not limited to the determination of small particles, but is also related to the fact that these particles definitely tend to protect pathogens from disinfection treatment. Differences in turbidimeter design will cause differences in measured values for turbidity, even though the same suspension is used to calibrate.
