This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D5907 − 18

Standard Test Methods for

Filterable Matter (Total Dissolved Solids) and Nonfilterable
Matter (Total Suspended Solids) in Water1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5907; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of filterable mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
matter, total dissolved solids (TDS), and nonfilterable matter, Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
total suspended solids (TSS), in drinking, surface, and saline 2. Referenced Documents
waters, domestic and industrial wastes. The practical range of
the determination of nonfilterable particulate matter (TSS) is 4 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
to 20 000 mg/L. The practical range of the determination of D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
filterable matter (TDS) is 10 mg/L to 150 000 µg/g. Section 20 D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
on Quality Control pertains to these test methods. D1429 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Water and Brine
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
1.2 Since the results measured by these test methods are Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
operationally defined, careful attention must be paid to follow- D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

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ing the procedure as specified. D3856 Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories
1.3 The test method for the determination of nonfilterable Engaged in Analysis of Water
D3977 Test Methods for Determining Sediment Concentra-
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
matter (TSS) must not be used when water samples were
collected from open channel flow. For the determination of tion in Water Samples
matter collected in open channel flow use Test Methods D3977. D4411 Guide for Sampling Fluvial Sediment in Motion

Test Method A:
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1.4 The test methods appear in the following order:
Sections 10 – 14
D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications
for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
Filterable Matter (TDS) and
D5905 Practice for the Preparation of Substitute Wastewater
Nonfilterable Matter (TSS), mg/L E319 Practice for the Evaluation of Single-Pan Mechanical
ASTM D5907-18Balances
Test Method B:
/catalog/standards/astm/c86b9ac3-9b8f-4ca9-983d-68b957c13a21/astm-d5907-18
Total Dissolved Solids
Sections 15 – 19
E898 Test Method of Testing Top-Loading, Direct-Reading
High Precision Method, µg/g Laboratory Scales and Balances
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3. Terminology
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the Terminology D1129.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.2.1 filterable matter, n—also commonly referred to as total
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. dissolved solids (TDS).
For a specific hazard statement, see Section 8. 3.2.1.1 Discussion—It is that dissolved matter that is ca-
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- pable of passing through a glass fiber filter and dried to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- constant weight at 180°C, as determined by following the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the procedures outlined in this test method.
3.2.2 nonfilterable matter, n—also commonly known as
1
total suspended solids (TSS).
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on
Water and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic
2
Constituents in Water. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5907 – 13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5907-18. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D5907 − 18
3.2.2.1 Discussion—It is that particulate matter that is re- filterable matter (TDS). Biological material, such as algae, may
tained on a glass fiber filter and dried to a constant weight at also prolong filtration time or plug the filter.
103 to 105°C, as determined by following the procedures 5.6 Some samples may be hygroscopic, requiring prolonged
outlined in these test methods. drying, extra careful desiccation, and rapid weighing. For
filterable matter (TDS), samples highly mineralized or high in
4. Significance and Use
bicarbonate may require careful and possibly prolonged dry-
4.1 Solids, both as filterable matter (TDS) and nonfilterable ing. For the bicarbonate, the extended drying may be needed to
matter (TSS), are important in the treating of raw water and ensure complete conversion to carbonate.
wastewater, and in monitoring of streams.
5.7 Too much material retained on the filter may entrap
4.2 Waste solids impose a suspended and settleable residue water, and may also require extended drying time for the
in receiving waters. Suspended and soluble materials provide a suspended solids. For filterable matter (TDS), excessive resi-
matrix for some biological slime and, in sufficient quantity, due in the dish may cause the formation of a water-trapping
impair respiration of organisms. These solids may create crust, giving elevated values.
nuisance slime beds and odors while imposing a long-term
5.8 For some users, certain biological materials, such as
biological oxidation load over limited receiving water areas.
algae, slimes, insects, or other small crustaceans, may be
4.3 Knowledge of suspended and soluble materials is im- considered to be positive interferences for nonfilterable matter
portant in treating raw water supplies. Knowledge of solids (TSS). Modifications or adjustments may be needed to gener-
loading can aid in determining the type or amount of treatment, ate a better value. An example is determining chlorophyll
or both, necessary to make the water acceptable for use. Such content to estimate the amount of algae present. Such modifi-
information may also be used to determine acceptability of cations may be beyond the scope of this test method.
water after treatment. Too little treatment may not be desirable
and excess treatment costs money. 6. Apparatus
4.4 Stream monitoring is important for environmental 6.1 Analytical Balance, capable of measuring to the nearest
reasons, such as compliance with discharge permits. Stream 0.1 mg.3 For the high precision total dissolved solids method,
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improvements, water pollution monitoring, mass wasting, algal
studies, and sediment loads are but a few of the many reasons
the recommended balance should have a capacity of 200 g and
be capable of measuring to the nearest 0.01 mg.
streams are monitored.
(https://standards.iteh.ai) 6.2 Drying Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature
between 103 and 105°C and between 178 and 182°C.
5. Interferences
Document
5.1 For some samples, chemical reactions may cause some Preview
materials to change from one phase to another. For example, in
NOTE 1—To prevent dust and sample from being blown around, it is
preferred that the oven for the particulate matter (TSS) be of a gravity
convection type. If this is not possible, samples should be shielded from
some groundwaters, ferrous ions may form insoluble ferric the forced air of mechanical convection ovens.
hydroxides. Softened water high in carbonates mayASTM D5907-18
precipitate 6.3 Evaporating Dishes, 70-mL to 250-mL capacity, not to
/catalog/standards/astm/c86b9ac3-9b8f-4ca9-983d-68b957c13a21/astm-d5907-18
calcium carbonate. In such cases, holding time may have a exceed 200 g in weight.
critical impact upon both the filterable and nonfilterable matter. 6.4 Glass Fiber Filters, without organic binder.4 47-mm
Such samples may have to be filtered in the field. diameter filters are needed for the high precision TDS method
5.2 These test methods are not meant to include nonrepre- when field filtration is not utilized.
sentative particulates such as leaves, sticks, insects, fish, etc. NOTE 2—Although there is no organic binder in these filters, they may
These should be removed before the analysis. contain a wet strength resin that is partially soluble. It is therefore
5.3 Certain materials may be measured poorly, or not at all. important to adequately prewash the filters as prescribed.
Some materials may decompose or volatilize at the required 6.5 Membrane Filter Assembly—A borosilicate glass, stain-
temperature. Other substances, such as glycerin or sulfuric less steel, or plastic funnel with a flat, fritted, or grid base so as
acid, will remain liquid at the required temperature, giving to provide uniform support and filterable surface. The top
variable results. Oils and greases may present similar problems section of the funnel shall fit over the edge of the filter to
and can end up in either the filterable (TDS) or nonfilterable provide a seal. The top should be removable to allow easy
(TSS) portion. access for removing the filter. A Gooch crucible with a fritted
5.4 Suspended solids samples high in dissolved matter, such bottom may be used in lieu of the funnel. A 47-mm filter
as saline waters, brines, and some wastes, may be subject to a assembly is needed for the high precision TDS method when
positive interference by the retention of dissolved matter, such field filtration is not used.
as salts and sugars, on the filter. Care must be taken in the final 6.6 Planchet or Pan, made of aluminum or stainless steel,
rinsing of the filter so as to minimize this potential interferent. capable of supporting the filter when it is not on the filter
Additional washing may be necessary. assembly.
5.5 Clogging of the filter with too fine or too much material 3
The balance prescribed in these test methods should be tested periodically
will prolong the filtering time and retain smaller particles that
according to Practice E319 or Test Method E898.
would normally pass through the filter, thus giving elevated 4
Millipore AP-40, Whatman 934-AH, Gelman type A/E, or equivalent, was
values to nonfilterable matter (TSS) and low values to the specified for the round-robin.