Total suspended solids (TSS)
What is it? Similar to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), this test measures the dry weight of suspended particles that are not dissolved in a sample of water that can be trapped by a filter.
Why is it important? While its purpose is very similar to measuring turbidity, TSS gives us the actual weight of the particulate material.
What does it mean? This test is typically conducted in a lab. The water sample is poured over filter paper, trapping solids. The filter paper is then dried and weighed to determine the weight of the solids. Conductivity and turbidity are more commonly used as field measurements than total dissolved solids and total suspended solids.