Total solids include dissolved solids (portion of solid matter found in water that passes through a filter) and suspended solids (portion of solid matter trapped by a filter). Dissolved solids may consist of calcuim, bicarbonate, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, sulfer, and other ions found in a water body. Suspended solids may include particles from plankton, soils, and various wastes. Both dissolved and suspended solids may enter water systems through runoff from urban, industrial, or agricultural areas or from wastewater treatment plants.
Increases in suspended or total solids can result in reduced water clarity, degrade habitats, clog fish gills, decrease photosynthetic activity, and cause an increase in water temperatures.
