What temperature should the oven be set to for a Total Suspended Solids (TSS) test?

For a Total Suspended Solids (TSS) test, the proper temperature for drying the samples is crucial to ensuring accurate measurement of the solids present. The correct temperature range for this test is typically between 103 and 105 degrees Celsius.

At this temperature, the water from the sample evaporates, allowing the solids to be accurately weighed. Temperatures below this range might not effectively drive off all the moisture, leading to an underestimation of the total suspended solids. On the other hand, temperatures significantly above this range could initiate the combustion of organic materials present in the sample, resulting in an overestimation and skewed results. Therefore, maintaining the temperature within the 103 to 105 degrees Celsius range is critical for obtaining reliable and valid results in TSS testing.