How is total dissolved solids (TDS) defined?

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is defined as the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid. This measurement encompasses a wide variety of materials, including salts, minerals, metals, and organic matter that are dissolved in the water. TDS is typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm), and it is an important parameter in assessing water quality, impacting everything from taste to the health of aquatic ecosystems. High levels of TDS can indicate potential issues with water quality or filtration systems.

Understanding TDS is crucial for various applications, including drinking water quality assessments and evaluating the suitability of water for agricultural, industrial, or recreational uses. It is not just limited to organic or inorganic substances individually; rather, it combines all components present in the water, making option C the correct and complete definition of TDS.