Convert a concentration in milliequivalent per liter or "MEQ" to parts per million or "PPM" to transfer the concentration to more universally recognized units. Although academics and professionals within the science community recognize MEQ units, PPM is a notation commonly used not only in science, but in commercial applications as well. Expressing a concentration in PPM, which is also known as milligrams per liter, allows a broader audience to immediately understand the concentration of the solution.
Instructions
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1
Determine the solute in the solution, which is either a positive cation or a negative anion. In a solution of carbonic acid, H2CO3 or H+ HCO3-, the solute is carbonate, HCO3-.
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2
Obtain the milliequivalent weight of the solute from a milliequivalent weight table. The milliequivalent weight of HCO3- is 61.016.
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3
Multiply the concentration of the solution in MEQ by its milliequivalent weight to get PPM. If you have a 5.05 MEQ solution of Bicarbonate (HCO3-), perform this calculation as follows:
5.05 x 61.016 = 303.08 PPM HCO3-