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 0.016 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)160 ppb, not safe B)16 ppb, not safe C)1600 ppb, not safe D)0.16 ppb, safe E)1.6 * 10^-⁶ ppm, safe

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To convert from ppm to ppb, we multiply by 1000. So, the concentration of lead ion in ppb is:
0.016 ppm x 1000 ppb/ppm = 16 ppb
Since 16 ppb is higher than the maximum safe level of 15 ppb, the water is not safe to drink. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

The EPA Has Determined That the Maximum Safe Level of Lead