What is the Difference Between TSS and Turbidity?

TSS is Total Suspended Solids (sometimes also called total suspended sediment). TSS is a measure of particulate weight obtained by filtering particles from water. The size of the particles depends on the specific filter so they often range in size between about .5 to 2 µm, reported as a concentration in mg/L. (Note that a similar acronym, TDS, stands for Total Dissolved Solids, a measure of the total concentration of dissolved substances in water.)

Turbidity is a water quality parameter that refers to how clear the water is. Turbidity can be described as water’s cloudiness or haziness. This cloudiness is caused by large numbers of particles in the water that may not be visible to your eye. Turbidity is an optical measurement of water clarity.

What water quality is needed for your industrial water or lab water application? Industrial reverse osmosis will remove the smallest particles and ions among common industrial and lab water options. However, some levels of water filtration, such as ultrafiltration, may be suitable for your needs, offering the best combination of cost and effectiveness.

TSS values are often related to turbidity. When TSS is high, the water is often cloudy or hazy.

Reverse osmosis (RO) and ultrafiltration systems can be configured together with various pre- and post-treatment equipment to achieve your requirements. Contact Industrial Water Solutions to identify the most cost-effective water treatment for your requirements be it reverse osmosis or various levels of water filtration.