Regular monitoring of TSS and TDS levels

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 40 views

Determining Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) Levels in Oil Palm Industry Liquid Waste with the Gravimetric Method in the North Sumatra Province Environmental Service

Introduction

The oil palm industry is one of the largest contributors to the economy of North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. However, the industry's liquid waste poses a significant threat to the environment if not managed properly. The determination of Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) levels in oil palm industry liquid waste is crucial in assessing the environmental impact of the industry. In this study, we employed the gravimetric method to determine the TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste samples collected from various sources in the North Sumatra Province.

The Importance of TSS and TDS Determination

TSS and TDS are two critical parameters in assessing the quality of industrial liquid waste. TSS refers to the suspended particles in the liquid waste, while TDS refers to the dissolved particles. The determination of TSS and TDS levels is essential in evaluating the potential environmental impact of the oil palm industry. Excessive levels of TSS and TDS can lead to water pollution, affecting aquatic life and human health.

TSS Determination Method

The TSS determination method employed in this study involves a series of systematic steps to ensure the accuracy of the results obtained. The process begins with the preparation of Whatmann filter paper No. 47, which is cleaned using aquadest, then dried, cooled, and weighed until it reaches a constant weight. The weight obtained at this stage is used as the initial weight of filter paper. The filtering process is then carried out on liquid waste samples using filter paper that has been previously weighed. After filtering, filter paper that has collected dry solids is dried again, cooled, and weighed. The result of this weighing is the final weight of filter paper. From this data, TSS content can be calculated in the sample.

TDS Determination Method

The TDS determination method involves a similar process to the TSS determination method. The process begins with the preparation of porcelain cups, which are also cleaned using aquadest, then dried and weighed until it gets a constant weight. The weight obtained is used as the initial weight of porcelain cups. The filtering process is carried out on liquid waste samples using Whatmann filter paper No. 47 until the filtrate is obtained. The filtrate obtained is then put into a porcelain cup that has been weighed and evaporated to dry. After that, porcelain cups are cooled and weighed back to get the final weight. From the weighing results, the TDS level can be calculated in the sample.

Analysis of Results

Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia No. 05 of 2014, the maximum level of TSS allowed in industrial liquid waste is 200 mg/l, while for TDS is 2000 mg/l. From the results of the analysis, it is known that there are two samples that do not meet TSS quality standards, namely samples with code 30/LC/01/2022 and 32/LC/01/2022. These results indicate the potential for pollution of liquid waste produced by the palm oil industry, which can have a negative impact on the environment if not managed properly.

Conclusion

This study underlines the importance of monitoring TSS and TDS levels in the liquid waste of the palm oil industry. With the application of a systematic and accurate gravimetry method, the analysis carried out can provide useful information for industrial managers and authorities in efforts to maintain environmental quality. It is hoped that the results of this analysis can encourage better action improvement and waste management in the future, for the sake of environmental sustainability in North Sumatra Province.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of TSS and TDS levels: Regular monitoring of TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste is essential in assessing the environmental impact of the industry.
Implementation of waste management practices: The implementation of waste management practices, such as proper treatment and disposal of liquid waste, is crucial in reducing the potential environmental impact of the industry.
Education and training: Education and training programs for industrial managers and workers on the importance of proper waste management and the consequences of environmental pollution are essential in promoting environmental sustainability.
Collaboration with authorities: Collaboration with authorities, such as the North Sumatra Province Environmental Service, is essential in ensuring that the industry complies with environmental regulations and standards.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size used in this study is limited, which may not be representative of the entire oil palm industry in North Sumatra Province.
Limited analysis: The analysis carried out in this study is limited to TSS and TDS levels, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of the industry.
Lack of control group: The study did not include a control group, which may have affected the accuracy of the results obtained.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Investigation of other environmental parameters: Investigation of other environmental parameters, such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels, is essential in assessing the environmental impact of the industry.
Development of waste management practices: Development of waste management practices, such as proper treatment and disposal of liquid waste, is crucial in reducing the potential environmental impact of the industry.
Education and training programs: Education and training programs for industrial managers and workers on the importance of proper waste management and the consequences of environmental pollution are essential in promoting environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of monitoring TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste. The results of this study indicate the potential for pollution of liquid waste produced by the palm oil industry, which can have a negative impact on the environment if not managed properly. It is hoped that the results of this analysis can encourage better action improvement and waste management in the future, for the sake of environmental sustainability in North Sumatra Province.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determining Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) Levels in Oil Palm Industry Liquid Waste

Q: What is the importance of determining TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste?

A: Determining TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste is crucial in assessing the environmental impact of the industry. Excessive levels of TSS and TDS can lead to water pollution, affecting aquatic life and human health.

Q: What is the maximum level of TSS allowed in industrial liquid waste?

A: According to the Regulation of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia No. 05 of 2014, the maximum level of TSS allowed in industrial liquid waste is 200 mg/l.

Q: What is the maximum level of TDS allowed in industrial liquid waste?

A: According to the Regulation of the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia No. 05 of 2014, the maximum level of TDS allowed in industrial liquid waste is 2000 mg/l.

Q: What is the gravimetric method used to determine TSS and TDS levels?

A: The gravimetric method involves a series of systematic steps to ensure the accuracy of the results obtained. The process begins with the preparation of Whatmann filter paper No. 47 or porcelain cups, which are cleaned using aquadest, then dried and weighed until it gets a constant weight. The weight obtained is used as the initial weight of filter paper or porcelain cups. The filtering process is then carried out on liquid waste samples using filter paper or porcelain cups that have been previously weighed. After filtering, filter paper or porcelain cups that have collected dry solids are dried again, cooled, and weighed. The result of this weighing is the final weight of filter paper or porcelain cups. From this data, TSS and TDS levels can be calculated in the sample.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size used in this study is limited, which may not be representative of the entire oil palm industry in North Sumatra Province.
Limited analysis: The analysis carried out in this study is limited to TSS and TDS levels, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of the industry.
Lack of control group: The study did not include a control group, which may have affected the accuracy of the results obtained.

Q: What are the recommendations for the oil palm industry?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring of TSS and TDS levels: Regular monitoring of TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste is essential in assessing the environmental impact of the industry.
Implementation of waste management practices: The implementation of waste management practices, such as proper treatment and disposal of liquid waste, is crucial in reducing the potential environmental impact of the industry.
Education and training: Education and training programs for industrial managers and workers on the importance of proper waste management and the consequences of environmental pollution are essential in promoting environmental sustainability.
Collaboration with authorities: Collaboration with authorities, such as the North Sumatra Province Environmental Service, is essential in ensuring that the industry complies with environmental regulations and standards.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include:

Investigation of other environmental parameters: Investigation of other environmental parameters, such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels, is essential in assessing the environmental impact of the industry.
Development of waste management practices: Development of waste management practices, such as proper treatment and disposal of liquid waste, is crucial in reducing the potential environmental impact of the industry.
Education and training programs: Education and training programs for industrial managers and workers on the importance of proper waste management and the consequences of environmental pollution are essential in promoting environmental sustainability.

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The study highlights the importance of monitoring TSS and TDS levels in oil palm industry liquid waste. The results of this study indicate the potential for pollution of liquid waste produced by the palm oil industry, which can have a negative impact on the environment if not managed properly. It is hoped that the results of this analysis can encourage better action improvement and waste management in the future, for the sake of environmental sustainability in North Sumatra Province.