Excelet

Comparison of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Methods

TDS can be measured by two different methods:

1. Stream water is filtered to remove suspended (insoluble) material and

then the sample is heated to evaporate the water. The residue obtained
is massed to obtain the milligrams of dissolved solids per volume of water
evaporated. The residue is dried usually at 103-105 oC.

2. TDS is determined from the conductivity of the water sample, since the
ionic composition for most streams is similar. The conductivity reading is
converted to milligrams of total dissolved solids/liter. TDS = 0.67 * conductivity

Now let's investigate the TDS determination by conductivity and then

compare the two methods and address some possible errors.

Click on the tabs to navigate

Sinex 2007
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) by Conductivity What is the cause of the conductivity of the water?

TDS = k * conductivity k= 0.67 67

(0.54 - 0.96)
Cond. TDS
0 0 tracer k composition
2500
200 134 0 670 0.50 NaCl
500 335 1000 670 0.51 KCl
2000
1000 670 1000 0 0.67 natural waters
1500 1005 0.72 442
TDS, 1500 f(x) = 0.67x
2000 1340
mg/L
1000
mS/cm mg/L
670
500
9
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Conductivity, mS/cm

Cond. = 1000

The values of "k" for NaCl, KCl, and 442 were determined from data
available: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/rhf/feature/index.php

Sinex 2007

Hem, J.D. (1985) Study and Interpretation of the Chemical

Characteristics of Natural Waters, USGS Water-Supply Paper 2254
online at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/wsp2254/
Comparison of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Methods
TDSevap = 530 mg/L
add a constant amount urea = 0 mg/L (used as a fertilizer)
(0 - 300)
(NaCl) (urea) TDSevap y = x line
12000 0 0 0 0 tracer
200 0 200 200 200 0 530 TDScond
400
1000 0 400 400 400 530 530 530 mg/L change the slider
600 0 600 600 600 530 0 530 to see how the two
800 0 800 800 800 methods compare
TDS by evaporation

800
1000 0 1000 1000 1000 0 530 (with both yellow
mg/L
600 530 530 %error cells set at zero)
0.0
400
How do the methods compare?
200

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
TDS by conductivity

add CaCl2 = 0 mg/L (commonly used for highway deicing)

(0 - 300)
How does the addition of urea and/or calcium chloride influence the results of the two methods?

Sinex 2007
Address the following questions:

1. Explain how and why the addition of calcium chloride influences the results
of both methods including any error.

2. Explain how and why the addition of urea influences the results of both
methods including any error.

3. Suppose a water sample was collected and not filtered. Both methods were
then used to measure the TDS. Explain the results from both methods including
any error.

4. For the TDS = k (conductivity) relationship the value of "k" must remain
constant for this method to work. Why? What could cause "k" to vary?

5. Domino Sugar is a large manufacturer in Baltimore Harbor. If a barge

loaded with finished processed sugar was to sink and the sugar dissolved in the
water of the harbor, how would the TDS results by both methods be influenced?

6. A barge loaded with vinegar (0.8 M acetic acid) develops a leak off shore of
Ocean City. The seawater, which is 0.5 M NaCl, has a pH of 8.3 that is well buffered.
How would the acetic acid influence the results of both methods including any error.

Sinex 2007