Solids Laboratory 1.0 Learning Objectives ? Define total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and suspended solids (TSS) ? Determine the TS, VS, and TSS concentration for a water sample, ? Explain the significance of solids in water and pollution 2.0 Introduction Recently, a chemical plant was built near the Southlake subdivision in Mobile, Alabama. The chemical plant discharges treated wastewater into the lake (Figure 1). Residents in Area B are complaining that their lake water is more cloudy than the lake water in Area A (Refer to Figure 1). And the residents in Area B suspected the chemical plant should be responsible for the cloudy lake water. As an environmental engineer student in University of South Alabama, you are asked to help the residents in Area B to determine whether the lake water in area B has a higher solids concentration than the lake water in area A or not. Area A Background water Lake Chemical Plant Area B Effluent water Figure 1- Schematic of Southlake Subdivision 13.0 Purpose and Scope of Experiment To determine the concentration of suspended solids (TSS) and the volatile suspended solids (VSS) of a water sample using gravimetric analysis and apply this technique to the described problem. 4.0 Background and Theory The presence of solid matter in potable, natural, and industrial waters can affect the ability of organisms to survive. Water treatment processes also produce sludge, which contains water and solids. All matter, except...