What do TSS and TDS together measure?

TSS (Total Suspended Solids) and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) together measure total solids in a sample. Total solids encompass all solid material present in a liquid, combining both what is suspended in the water and what is dissolved. TSS refers specifically to the particles that are not dissolved and remain suspended in the liquid, while TDS accounts for the materials that are dissolved at a molecular level.

By adding TSS and TDS together, you're accounting for all solids present in the sample, which provides a complete picture of the solid content in that liquid. This is crucial in many fields, including environmental monitoring and wastewater treatment, where understanding the total solid content can influence treatment processes and water quality assessments.