Which characteristic of wastewater is measured through the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) test?

The Total Suspended Solids (TSS) test measures the concentration of solid particles suspended in water. This includes a variety of organic and inorganic materials such as silt, decaying plant and animal matter, and industrial waste. TSS is a critical parameter in wastewater treatment because it can affect water quality, influence aquatic life, and indicate the effectiveness of the treatment process.

When water is treated, it’s important to know how much solid material remains suspended, as high levels of TSS can interfere with disinfection processes, clog pipes, and lead to further pollution. By determining the concentration of these solids, plant operators can make informed decisions regarding treatment strategies and monitor compliance with environmental regulations.

Other characteristics mentioned in the question, such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pathogens, are measured through different tests and do not relate to the TSS assessment. These parameters are important in their own right but serve different purposes in evaluating the quality of wastewater.