At what temperature should the drying oven be set when analyzing for total suspended solids?

The correct temperature range for the drying oven when analyzing for total suspended solids is set at 103 - 105 degrees Celsius. This specific temperature range is crucial for ensuring that the total suspended solids are effectively dried without excessive heat that could lead to loss of volatile substances or alteration of the sample composition.

At temperatures lower than this range, such as those between 100 - 102 degrees Celsius, there is a risk that not all moisture will be removed, resulting in inaccurate measurements of total suspended solids. Conversely, setting the temperature too high, as in the 106 - 108 degrees Celsius range, could potentially decompose some solid materials or drive off substances that should remain in the sample, adversely affecting the results. Therefore, maintaining the drying oven within the range of 103 - 105 degrees Celsius ensures accurate and consistent results in total suspended solids analysis.