In today’s dynamic and health-conscious world, ensuring access to clean and safe water is more critical than ever. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, approximately 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, putting them at risk for waterborne diseases and poor health [1]. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need to prioritize water safety as a fundamental aspect of health and well-being.
One key indicator of water quality is its Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level. In this article, we will explore what TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is, its guidelines and impacts on water quality, and how Silicon Craft’s Water TDS NFC Sensor Card – featuring the SIC4340 NFC Sensor Interface chip simplifies TDS measurement with enhanced convenience and precision.
Understanding TDS
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) represents the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including inorganic substances, natural particles, and organic compounds. TDS provides a cumulative measure of all dissolved materials in water but does not distinguish between specific analytes. Instead, it acts as a general indicator of water quality. Higher TDS levels can indicate potential impurities, while lower levels may reflect purer water [2].
Here are some of the key sources of TDS in water:
- Pollution/Contaminants: Harmful substances like heavy metals (Fe²⁺, As³⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cr⁵⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, etc.), pesticide, and herbicide.
- Natural Sources: Minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, chloride, phosphorous, sulfates, and other elements from geological formations.
- Decomposition of Organic Material: Organic compounds such as tannins, amino acids, acetic acid, and others released from the decomposition of plant material and algae.
Fig.1: Key Sources of TDS in Water.
Water TDS Guidelines and Impacts
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established National Secondary Drinking Water Standards, which provide non-mandatory guidelines for utilities to manage contaminants that may affect the aesthetic qualities of drinking water like taste, color, and odor. These standards cover 15 contaminants and are not legally enforceable, as the specified levels are not considered a direct health risk. [3]. However, they help ensure that drinking water remains aesthetically pleasing and acceptable to consumers. The EPA recommends a limit of 500 mg/L (mg/L is milligrams of substance per liter of water) for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in drinking water.
Fig. 2: Table of Secondary Standards Established by the EPA.
High TDS levels can influence various aspects of water quality, including:
- Taste and Odor: High TDS levels can negatively affect the taste and odor of drinking water, making it less palatable.
- Corrosion: Elevated chloride, calcium, or metal concentrations can lead to corrosion in water distribution pipes, increasing maintenance costs and reducing system efficiency.
- Health Risks: High TDS levels may indicate potential contamination by harmful substances, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants, which can pose health risks when consumed.
Fig. 3: A Girl Drinking Clean Water from a Glass.
A guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that drinking water with a TDS level of less than 600 mg/l is generally considered good, ensuring acceptable taste and overall quality. When TDS levels exceed 1000 mg/l, water becomes increasingly unpalatable, with a noticeable decline in taste.
As mentioned earlier, high TDS levels can also lead to scaling in water pipes, heaters, boilers, and household appliances, which can result in operational inefficiencies and higher maintenance costs. As a result, managing TDS levels is essential not only for taste but also for maintaining the performance and longevity of water systems and appliances [4].
Fig. 4: The Aquametr app displaying the TDS measurement result.
Silicon Craft’s Water TDS NFC Sensor Card
The Water TDS NFC Sensor Card, featuring the SIC4340 NFC sensor interface chip, is an advanced tool designed to measure the total dissolved solids level in water. This NFC Sensor card requires no battery. It’s powered entirely by energy harvested from a smartphone and is designed for easy portability with its credit card-sized form, offering a highly convenient and environmentally friendly solution.
How It Works:
The NFC sensor card works seamlessly with the ‘Aquametr’ mobile app to perform TDS measurements. One of the key parameters for measuring TDS is Electrical Conductivity (EC), which is directly related to the presence of ions in water. As TDS levels increase, more dissolved ions cause EC to rise by enhancing the flow of electrical current. The SIC4340 leverages this direct relationship between EC and TDS to accurately assess water quality and provide real-time results through the mobile app.
Fig.5: How Water TDS is Measured.
The EC value is then converted into a TDS reading, which is displayed on the ‘Aquametr’ mobile app. Measuring the TDS level with our NFC sensor card is simple and convenient. Follow these steps:
- Tap your smartphone on the NFC sensor card to download the Aquametr app.
- Place a drop of water on the sensor area of the card.
- Tap your smartphone on the card again to perform the measurement.
- View the TDS result on the Aquametr
Fig.6: Measuring the TDS Level of Water with Silicon Craft’s Water TDS NFC Sensor Card
Specification:
Silicon Craft’s Water TDS NFC Sensor Card, a cutting-edge device designed to simplify water quality measurements. It offers a measurement range of 7-700 PPM (part per million). It is reusable up to 100 times, ensuring cost-effectiveness. The measurement accuracy is currently tentative. Final specifications, along with customer engineering samples, are anticipated to be available in Q1 2025.
Fig.7: Specification Table of Silicon Craft’s Water TDS NFC Sensor Card
Conclusion
Access to safe drinking water remains a challenge for millions worldwide, making water quality monitoring essential. Silicon Craft’s Water TDS NFC Sensor Card, featuring the SIC4340 NFC Sensor Interface chip is revolutionizing how we measure TDS levels, offering a portable, precise, and user-friendly solution.
High TDS levels in water can impact its taste and odor, making it unappealing to drink. Elevated TDS can also lead to corrosion in pipes, appliances, and water systems, increasing maintenance costs and reducing efficiency. Additionally, high TDS levels may indicate the presence of harmful substances, such as heavy metals and pollutants, posing potential health risks.
Powered by NFC Sensor Interface technology and integrated with the Aquametr app, this innovative tool simplifies water quality assessment, enabling informed decisions about water safety. By advancing accessible technology, Silicon Craft is contributing to global efforts for clean, sustainable water access.
References
[1] World Health Organization. (2023, September 13). Drinking Water.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water
[2] World Health Organization. (2003). Total dissolved solids in Drinking-water Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/tds.pdf?sfvrsn=3e6d651e_4
[3] US EPA. (2015, September 2). Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals.
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/secondary-drinking-water-standards-guidance-nuisance-chemicals
[4] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Fourth edition incorporating the first and second addenda Guidelines for drinking-water quality.
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/352532/9789240045064-eng.pdf
