How to Measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Water?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a key indicator of water quality and is used in various applications, from environmental monitoring to the beverage industry. TDS in water refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended form. These substances include minerals (e.g. magnesium, calcium), salts (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium chloride), metals (e.g. iron, copper, lead), cations, or anions dissolved in water.
***Cations are positively charged ions that are formed when an atom or molecule loses one or more electrons. Anions are negatively charged ions that are formed when an atom or molecule gains one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative charge.***
Measurement of TDS
The most common way TDS is measured is indirectly through electrical conductivity. Since dissolved ions increase water's ability to conduct electricity, measuring this conductivity and applying a pre-determined conversion factor provides an accurate TDS measurement. This method is quick and non-destructive, and a portable TDS Meter is easiest way to measure TDS.
Why Measuring TDS is Important
High TDS levels can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of water, and its crucial for assessing the potability of drinking water. In aquatics different species of fish and aquatic plants thrive at specific TDS levels. Maintaining the right TDS levels is vital for aquariums and fishponds. Certain industries such as pharmaceuticals and power plants require water with low TDS levels for their processes. In agriculture, TDS levels influence the suitability of water for irrigation. High TDS water can lead to soil salinity, affecting crop yield. With health, high TDS levels may indicate the presence of harmful substances like heavy metals which you do not want to be consuming in your drinking water.
***Potability refers to the quality or condition of water being safe to drink. It means that the water is free from harmful contaminants, pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites), and excessive levels of minerals or chemicals that could pose a health risk.***
Factors Affecting TDS Levels
Source water such as groundwater typically has higher TDS than surface or city water due to minerals from rocks and soil. City water districts can also add additional minerals to the city water before it gets to your home increasing the hardness of the city water.
Human activities such as pollution, agricultural runoff, and waste discharge can increase TDS, and environmental factors like evaporation and climate can also affect TDS levels.
Conclusion
Understanding and monitoring TDS in water is crucial for ensuring water quality for various uses. It aids in environmental protection, industrial processes, and maintaining healthy ecosystems. TDS levels directly affect the quality and taste of your drinking water so regular monitoring is very important.
The RC-YAGO TDS Meter is a great meter for measuring TDS. It has additional functionality to measure electrical conductivity (EC), potential hydrogen (pH), Salt, Temperature, oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and specific gravity. I have spent years looking for a high-quality well-made TDS meter that has many additional features for a reasonable price, and I highly recommend this product.
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