Typical total solids concentration in raw municipal sewage is approximately within which range (mg/L)?

Introduction / Context:
Total solids (TS) in sewage include both suspended and dissolved constituents. Knowledge of typical ranges informs preliminary design of sedimentation, aeration, and sludge handling facilities.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Domestic (municipal) sewage without heavy industrial contribution.
• Raw influent values (before primary settling).
• Standard mg/L units (same as ppm by mass in dilute water systems).

Concept / Approach:

Typical raw municipal sewage often has total solids around 1000–1200 mg/L, with suspended solids commonly 200–350 mg/L and the remainder dissolved. Hence, the commonly cited TS range closest to practice is 1000–1500 mg/L.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Numerous textbooks and municipal data sets report TS near 1000 mg/L for domestic influents, varying with infiltration and lifestyle factors.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

100–500 or 500–1000 are low for TS; 1500–2000 and above are high for typical domestic sewage without industrial input.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing suspended solids with total solids; relying on a single sample without accounting for diurnal variability.

Final Answer:

1000 to 1500