2-3 Physical Characteristics The most important ph hysical characteristic of wastewater is its total solids content. which is composed of floating matter, settleable matter colloidal matter. and matter in solution. Other important physical characteristics include particle size distribution, turbidity, color, transntittance temperature, conductivity, and density, specific gravity and specific weight Odor, sometimes considered a physical factor, is discussed in the following section2-3 Physical Characteristics The most important physical characteristic of wastewater is its total solids content, which is composed of floating matter, settleable matter, colloidal matter, and matter in solution. Other important physical characteristics include particle size distribution,turbidity, color, transntittance, temperature, conductivity, and density, specific gravity and specific weight. Odor, sometimes considered a physical factor, is discussed in the following section