Question

Suspended solid in an water body is an example of

• A. Chemical characteristics of water quality
• B. Biological characteristics of water quality
• C. Physical characteristics of water quality
• D. Both 1 and 2

Hint:

- Physical parameters: Temperature, Turbidity, Color, Odor, Suspended Solids.
- Chemical parameters: pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Salinity, Hardness, Nutrients.
- Biological parameters: Bacteria, Plankton counts, Coliforms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Water quality parameters are divided into physical, chemical, and biological categories based on how they are measured and how they affect the aquatic environment.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are solid particles (such as silt, clay, and organic debris) suspended in the water column.
They affect parameters like water turbidity, clarity, and light penetration.
Since they represent physical particles that can be filtered and weighed, and do not directly involve molecular chemical solutes or biological organisms, they are classified as a physical characteristic of water quality.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Suspended solids are a physical characteristic of water quality, which corresponds to option (C).