What are the two categories of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are classified into two main categories: volatile and fixed dissolved solids. This classification is crucial for understanding the composition of water and its potential impact on environmental and health factors.

Volatile dissolved solids typically include compounds that can vaporize at certain temperatures, such as organic materials and some inorganic salts. These solids can indicate the presence of organic pollution or the level of contamination in water resources.

Fixed dissolved solids, on the other hand, refer to those substances that do not vaporize when exposed to heat. They are primarily mineral salts, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which remain in the solution even after evaporation. The concentration of fixed dissolved solids in water is important for assessing its quality, particularly in contexts like agricultural irrigation, where high concentrations can affect soil salinity and plant health.

This categorization helps in the analysis of water quality and in addressing environmental regulations. Understanding the distinction between volatile and fixed components is essential for water treatment processes and for evaluating the ecological health of water bodies.