What relationship exists between Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and turbidity?

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and turbidity are closely related, as both measure the particulate matter present in water. TSS refers to the solid particles that are suspended in water and can be collected by filtration, while turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of the water caused by those suspended particles.

The correlation occurs because higher concentrations of suspended solids typically lead to increased turbidity. When there are more particles in the water, they scatter light, which is what turbidity measures. Therefore, a rise in TSS generally results in a higher turbidity reading. This relationship is crucial for water quality assessment, as both metrics help identify the health of aquatic systems and the effectiveness of treatment processes.

Understanding this correlation is vital for wastewater treatment operations, as it enables operators to monitor and control processes to improve water clarity and quality effectively.