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Appendix A
5/20/2009
1
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Nutrient Analytical Services Laboratory
Determination of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Volatile
Solids (TVS) in Waters of Fresh/Estuarine/Coastal Waters
.
1.
SCOPE and APPLICATION
1.1
Gravimetric analysis is used to determine total suspended solids (TSS)
and total volatile solids (TVS), also known as volatile suspended solids
(VSS) using a four place analytical balance.
1.2
A Method Detection Limit (MDL) of 2.4 mg/L TSS, and 0.9
mg/L TVS was determined using 3X the standard deviation of 7
replicates.
1.3
The quantitation limit for TSS was set at 0.0005 mg/L TSS.
1.4
This procedure should be used by analysts experienced in the theory and
application of TSS. 1 month experience with an experienced analyst,
certified in the analysis using the four place balance, is required.
1.5
This method can be used for all programs that require analysis of total
suspended and volatile solids.
1.6
This procedure conforms to EPA Method 160.2 and Standard Methods
208 E.
2.
SUMMARY
2.1
Measured aliquots of a water sample are filtered through a pre-weighed glass
fiber filter pad. These pads are placed into a 105° C drying oven overnight to
remove any remaining water. The pads are removed from the oven and placed
into a desiccator to cool to room temperature. Once samples have reached room
temperature, they are individually weighed on a four place balance and their
respective weights are recorded in a spreadsheet and the concentration is
reported as mg/L total suspended solids. If samples are to be used to determine
total volatile solids they are placed into a numbered porcelain crucible and
dried in a muffle furnace at 550° C for 1.5 hours. The samples are placed into a
desiccator to cool to room temperature. Once they have cooled, they are
weighed on the four place balance and their weights are recorded into the
spreadsheet.
3.
DEFINITIONS
3.1
Acceptance Criteria – Specified limits placed on characteristics of an item,
process, or service defined in a requirement document. (ASQC)
3.2
Accuracy – The degree of agreement between an observed value and an
accepted reference value. Accuracy includes a combination of random error
(precision) and systematic error (bias) components which are due to sampling
and analytical operations; a data quality indicator. (QAMS)