Total Dissolved Solids Solutions

Total Dissolved Solids: Comprehensive Guide for Wastewater Treatment

October 16, 2024

This guide will be all about Total Dissolved Solids. We will talk about what TDS is and strategies for managing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)in commercial wastewater. Normally two types of people are interested in TDS, households, and commercial clients. We will discuss what TDS means for both groups of people in this guide, but our company is committed to helping commercial clients tackle their water challenges.

Introduction

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is an important parameter in assessing water quality, especially for commercial effluent and  household drinking standards. High levels of TDS can affect not only the taste and appearance of water but also its suitability for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use. Understanding and managing TDS is essential for compliance with environmental regulations and for the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

What Are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?

TDS refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. This is where it differs from TSS, which is total suspended solids, and are not actually dissolved in the water. In TDS the dissolved substances are present in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended forms and are small enough to pass through a filter with pores of 2micrometers or smaller. Common constituents of TDS include:

• Inorganic Salts: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates.
• Organic Matter: Hemic acids, tannins, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Metals and Minerals: Iron, manganese, copper, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic.

Understanding the composition of TDS in water is important, as certain dissolved solids can pose health risks or affect industrial processes.

Measuring TDS in Wastewater

Accurate measurement of TDS is important for effective management, both for wastewater and for drinking water. It is important to note, that when we say wastewater we are talking about water that has been used in some sort of human process, and no longer fit for consumption without first filtering. Common methods of measuring Total Dissolved solids include:

• Gravimetric Analysis: Involves evaporating a water sample and weighing the residue. This method is precise but time-consuming.
• Electrical Conductivity Meters: Estimate TDS based on the water's ability to conduct electricity, which increases with higher ion concentrations.
• TDS Meters: Portable devices that provide quick measurements by correlating electrical conductivity to TDS levels, usually reported in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Note: According to the World Health Organization (WHO),TDS levels above 1,000 mg/L are considered unfit for human consumption.

Impact of High TDS Levels

High TDS levels can have several adverse effects:

Health Implications

• Taste and Visual Issues: Water with high TDS may taste bitter, salty, or metallic.
• Potential Contaminants: Elevated TDS levels can indicate the presence of harmful substances like heavy metals, which may pose health risks.

Environmental Effects

• Aquatic  Life Stress: High TDS can disrupt the osmotic balance in aquatic organisms, leading to stress or lower expected live spans of fish.
• Ecosystem Imbalance: Excessive nutrients like nitrates and phosphates can cause algal blooms and eutrophication.

Industrial and Commercial Impact

• Scaling and Corrosion: High TDS water can lead to scale buildup in pipes, boilers, and cooling towers, reducing efficiency and the lifespan of the systems. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and higher rate of replacement of parts.
• Equipment Damage: In pools and spas, high TDS can damage liners and filtration systems.

Agricultural Concerns

• Soil Salinization: Irrigation with high-TDS water can degrade soil quality, affecting crop yield.
• Livestock Health: High salinity in water can cause dehydration and health issues in livestock.

Common Sources of High TDS

Natural Sources

• Mineral Springs: Water flowing through mineral-rich areas picks up dissolved salts.
• Groundwater: Areas with high salt deposits can lead to elevated TDS in wells and aquifers.
• Flow Rates: Faster-moving water can dissolve more minerals from soils and rocks.

Human Activities

• Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers, pesticides, and top-soil erosion contribute to higher TDS in nearby water bodies.
• Urban Runoff: Salts used for road de-icing, street cleaning detergents, and other pollutants increase TDS levels.
• Industrial Effluents: Wastewater discharges from factories can contain high concentrations of dissolved solids.
• Soil Erosion: Construction and deforestation can increase sediment and dissolved solids in water sources.
• Decaying Organic Matter: Rotting plants and animals release organic compounds into water.

TDS vs. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

While TDS refers to dissolved particles small enough to passthrough a 2-micrometer filter, Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are particles larger than 2 micrometers that remain suspended in water. TSS affects the turbidity or cloudiness of water, whereas TDS affects the micro-composition. Both parameters are essential for assessing water quality but require different treatment approaches.

TDS Removal Techniques

At bioprocessH2O, we offer advanced solutions for TDS reduction:

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

• High Efficiency: Removes up to 99% of dissolved solids by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane.
• Versatility: Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
• Compact Design: Ideal for facilities with limited space.

Nanofiltration

• Selective Removal: Targets specific dissolved solids, allowing beneficial minerals to remain.
• Energy Efficient: Operates at lower pressures compared to RO systems.

Distillation

• Thermal Process: Involves boiling water and condensing the steam, leaving dissolved solids behind.
• High Purity: Effective in removing a wide range of contaminants, although it is very expensive to heat up all of that water, so this is not used too often.

Case Studies: Reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

CASE STUDY: Manufacturing Facility

Industry: Manufacturing

Problem: A client experienced out of compliance TDS levels. This client had multiple product lines, and different make up of the water based on what their production schedule was.

Solution: Installed a filtration system to reduce TDS levels while allowing essential minerals to pass through. The system was energy-efficient and suitable for the clients scale.

Best Practices for TDS Management

• Regular Monitoring
  
  • Use TDS meters or water testing kits to regularly check TDS levels.
  • Monitor both the influent and effluent water to assess treatment effectiveness
 
• Source Control
  
  • Identify and mitigate sources of high TDS, such as adjusting agricultural practices to reduce fertilizer runoff.
  • Implement erosion control measures to prevent soil particles from entering water bodies
 
• Treatment Optimization
  
  • Choose the appropriate treatment method based on the specific TDS constituents.
  • Maintain and calibrate equipment regularly to ensure optimal performance
 
• Resource Recovery
  
  • Consider recovering and reusing salts and minerals extracted during the treatment process.
  • Implement water reuse strategies to conserve resources.
 
• Regulatory  Compliance
  • Stay informed about local and federal regulations regarding TDS levels in wastewater discharge.
  • Engage with environmental agencies to adopt best practices and ensure compliance.

Conclusion: Commitment to Sustainable Water Management

At bioprocessH2O, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for managing Total Dissolved Solids in wastewater. Our advanced treatment systems not only help industries comply with regulatory standards but also promote sustainable practices by improving water quality and enabling resource recovery. By partnering with us, you contribute to protecting the environment and ensuring the health and safety of communities.

For expert assistance with your TDS management needs, contact bioprocessH2O. Our team is ready to help you achieve optimal wastewater treatment results tailored to your specific requirements.