The EPA has determined that the maximum safe level of lead ion in drinking water is 15 ppb.If a sample of tap water has a lead ion concentration of 0.0065 ppm, what is the concentration of the lead ion in ppb, and is the water safe to drink? Assume the density of the solution is 1.00 g/mL. A)65 ppb, not safe B)6.5 ppb, safe C)650 ppb, not safe D)0.65 ppb, safe E)6.5 * 10^-⁶ ppm, safe

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To convert from ppm to ppb, we need to multiply by 1000. Therefore, the concentration of lead ion in ppb would be:

0.0065 ppm x 1000 ppb/ppm = 6.5 ppb

Since this is below the maximum safe level of 15 ppb determined by the EPA, the water is safe to drink. The correct answer is B.

The EPA Has Determined That the Maximum Safe Level of Lead