452To convert to PPM, you would first need to know the density of the substance, and the
density of what the substance is in.
- Ug/L: Represents the concentration of something in water or soil. One ppb represents
one microgram of something per liter of water (ug/l), or one microgram of something per
kilogram of soil (ug/kg).
Parts per million (ppm) or Milligrams per liter (mg/l) - one part per million corresponds to
one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
Parts per billion (ppb) or Micrograms per liter - one part per billion corresponds to one
minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Parts per trillion (ppt) or Nanograms per liter (nanograms/l) - one part per trillion
corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000,000.
- What do the following terms represent in reference to water quality.
Total coliform: The coliform family has been divided into two groups. Results may come
back as either total coliform positive (TC positive) or fecal coliform positive, or (FC positive
or E. coli positive.) Total coliform positive means that no human coliform are present. - Fecal Coliform: Fecal coliform positive indicates the presence of E. coli, which means
there is a greater chance of pathogens being present. The laboratory tests for coliform
include the MPN method, the Membrane Filter test, the Colilert test, and the presence-
absence test. - Presence-absence Test: Presence-Absence Broth is used for the detection of coliform
bacteria in water treatment plants or distribution systems using the presence-absence
coliform test. - Physical Characteristics of Water: A characteristic of water defined by the
temperature, turbidity, color, taste, and odor of the water. - Point-of-entry sample (POE): A type of water sample taken after treatment and
before reaching the first consumer. - Acute Health Effect: An immediate (i.e. within hours or days) effect that may result
from exposure to certain drinking water contaminants (e.g., pathogens). - Non-acute violation: If the MCL is exceeded and none of the positive results indicated
a presence of Fecal Coliform, a Tier 2 violation has occurred. This level of violation used
to be called a non-acute violation. - Routine Sample: Samples collected on a routine basis to monitor for contamination.
Collection should be in accordance with an approved sampling plan.