Evaluating Relationships Between Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in a Mining-Influenced Watershed

Abstract

Measurement of total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) loadings in streams is often used to assess potential impacts from mining on surface water quality within a drainage basin. It has been suggested that TSS could be used as an indicator to estimate TDS loading through the use of a TDS/TSS ratio. The reliability of this approach was tested by examining empirical linear relationships between TSS and TDS loads at three locations within a mining-influenced watershed in Colorado. Predictive accuracy of the relationships was assessed using an independent source of data for the same locations, with comparisons between estimated and observed TDS loads for periods within and outside the years used to develop relationships. Evaluations were conducted over the entire flow regime and for separate periods of low- and high-flow. Improved representation of the data was achieved by incorporation of a regressed average baseflow contribution, indicating the relationship between TDS and TSS loads is not accurately represented by a simple ratio. High variability in data between locations prevents application of a basin scale relationship to all locations within that basin. Local-scale relationships developed under specific flow regimes resulted in more accurate predictions, but results suggest that factors additional to flow may need to be considered to improve predictability. Usefulness of linear empirical relationships to predict TDS load from TSS load will depend on the magnitude of uncertainty that is tolerable for a given situation.

Dissolved solids and suspended sediment dynamics from five small agricultural watersheds in Navarre, Spain: A 10-year study

“…In addition, as for the studied watersheds in Navarre, DSL mirrored the pattern observed in discharge in other studies (e.g., Tedeschi et al, 2001;Durán-Zuaso et al, 2012;Merchán et al, 2013). In fact, this pattern is also observed in non-agricultural areas (Hubbard et al, 1990;Butler and Ford, 2017). Besides, similar observations regarding the relationship of DSY and water yield have been reported in other studies conducted at the small watershed scale (e.g., Tedeschi et al, 2001;Swiechowicz, 2002; Pacheco-Betancur, 2013).…”

Assessment and modeling of the generation and transport of water and solutes in representative watersheds of Navarre (Spain): toward an optimal and sustainable agrarian activity

“…In addition, as for the studied watersheds in Navarre, TDSL mirrored the pattern observed in discharge in other studies (e.g., Tedeschi et al, 2001;Durán Zuazo et al, 2012;Merchán et al, 2013). In fact, this pattern is also observed in non-agricultural areas (Hubbard et al, 1990;Butler and Ford, 2018). Besides, similar observations regarding the relationship of TDSY and water yield have been reported in other studies conducted at the small watershed scale (e.g., Pacheco-Betancur, 2013;Swiechowicz, 2002;Tedeschi et al, 2001).…”

Dampak Pemukiman Dan Kegiatan Di Tepi Sungai Terhadap Kualitas Air Sungai Baru Barat

“…Increasing the load of TDS and TSS can reduce the quality of aquatic ecosystems through several mechanisms. TSS will increase water turbidity due to reduced light penetration which it's damages the photosynthetic activity of aquatic plants and decreases the oxygen content in water (Butler and Ford, 2018 (Chowdhury et al, 2018). Water quality is affected by land use and anthropogenic activities on river banks (Suratman and Norhayati, 2013) The decomposition of organic substances in the sediment of need oxygen , this will disrupting the lives of fish and an organism benthic (Catianis et al, 2018).…”