Analysis of total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity of domestic sewage

The total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) of domestic sewage obtained from a sewage treatment plant were determined and their values compared. A regression test was used to analyse any relationship between the pairs: EC/TSS and EC/TDS. Results showed strong positive correlation. Correlation coefficients were r = 0.75, r = 0.95 respectively. The correlation between EC and TDS was very strong and positive. Regression analyses show that electrical conductivity of the domestic sewage is strongly related to the solids present in it. The suspended solids content revealed that the sewage was polluted and of medium strength. Analysis showed that electrical conductivity is directly related to total suspended solids and total dissolved solids. However, results on TDS will give better information on EC of the sewage compared with results of TSS.