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June 2022 – TD 320 OPERATING MANUAL – TURBIDITY SENSOR 4296
8.3.2
Total Suspended Sediment by Acoustic Doppler Measurements
The U.S. Geological Survey has started using acoustic Doppler meters to determine continuous
sediment loads estimates. As the Doppler meter pulses sound through the water, the frequency
beams will bounce off suspended particles in the water. While these meters are generally used to
measure water velocity, the returned beams, known as backscatter, can be used to indicate
suspended sediment concentrations. This method requires correction for any sound absorption
and beam spread. While it is not as accurate as a TSS mass measurement, and while its
performance is still under study, the use of an acoustic Doppler meter opens the door to the
possibility of continuous suspended sediment estimates.
8.4
FTU versus TSS
Use Aanderaa calculation sheet to enter relation between FTU and Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
obtained from water sampling – filtering-drying-weighing.
The sheet calculates new coefficients which can be copied and sent to the sensor for absolute
measurements in mg/l
Template is available at
Figure 8-2: Template for calculating relationship between TSS and FTU