Texas Wastewater Class B Practice Exam

What is a critical step in testing a sample for Total Suspended Solids?

1. Measuring pH levels

2. Performing a temperature check

3. Filtering a sample

4. Checking for color intensity

The correct answer is: Filtering a sample

Filtering a sample is a critical step in testing for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) because the method involves capturing the solid particles suspended in the water. In this process, a known volume of water is passed through a filter that retains the suspended solids. The mass of the solids collected on the filter is then measured and compared to the volume of the water sample to calculate the concentration of TSS. This step ensures that only the solid particles are accounted for, and it is essential for accurate results. Other options do not directly contribute to the measurement of suspended solids in the same fundamental way. For instance, measuring pH levels and performing a temperature check provide important water quality information but do not impact the quantification of suspended solids. Checking for color intensity can inform about the sample’s overall quality but does not assist in determining the quantity of suspended solids specifically.