Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
09:16
Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Turbid Solutions by Dynamic Light Scattering Microscopy
Published on: January 9, 2017
Analysis of suspended solids by single-particle scattering
Applied Optics
|March 10, 2010
Summary
This study uses light scattering to identify suspended solids, like red clay and asbestiform fibers, in water. The developed method can detect low fiber levels, aiding water quality analysis and remote sensing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Optical Physics
Background:
- Particulate contaminants in water bodies like Lake Superior pose environmental challenges.
- Accurate identification and quantification of suspended solids are crucial for water quality assessment.
- Existing methods for analyzing specific contaminants like asbestiform fibers can be time-consuming and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a light scattering-based method for categorizing suspended solids.
- To specifically identify and quantify asbestiform fibers (amphibole and chrysotile) in water samples.
- To enable rapid, cost-effective analysis of water from filtration plants for particulate contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multiple-detector system employing light scattering principles.
- Analyzed the scattering signatures of known particulates: red clay, taconite tailings, amphibole, and chrysotile.
- Developed a predictive model correlating optical data with electron microscope analysis for fiber concentration.
Main Results:
- Established distinct light scattering signatures for different particulate types.
- Demonstrated optical detectability of asbestiform fiber concentrations as low as 5 x 10^4 fibers/liter.
- Validated a method for predicting asbestiform fiber concentration in filtration plant samples.
Conclusions:
- Light scattering offers a viable technique for categorizing suspended solids composition.
- The developed method provides a fast and inexpensive means for analyzing water samples for specific particulate contaminants.
- This approach has potential applications in remote sensing for optical categorization of environmental samples.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Precipitate Formation and Particle Size Control
In precipitation gravimetry, the precipitating agent should react specifically or selectively with the analyte. While a specific reagent reacts with the analyte alone, a selective reagent can react with a limited number of chemical species.
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
The obtained precipitate should be either a pure substance of known composition or easily converted to one by a simple process, such as ignition or drying. In addition, the precipitate should be insoluble and easily filterable. In general, filterability...
01:17Colloids and Suspensions
Children at play often make suspensions such as mixtures of mud and water, flour and water, or a suspension of solid pigments in water known as tempera paint. These suspensions are heterogeneous mixtures composed of relatively large particles visible to the naked eye or seen with a magnifying glass. They are cloudy, and the suspended particles settle out after mixing. The suspended particles in a suspension settle out after some time of mixing. The separation of particles from a suspension is...