Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. These substances include inorganic salts (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride) and small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in the water. TDS is typically measured in mg/L or parts per million (ppm).
Sources of TDS in Water:
- Minerals dissolved from rocks and soil as water flows through them.
- Decomposition of organic matter.
- Agricultural runoff (fertilizers, pesticides).
- Industrial discharge.
- Urban runoff (oil, salts from roads).
- Chemicals added during water treatment, such as coagulants and disinfectants.
