In the equation to convert milligrams-per-liter concentration to pounds per day, what does the feed rate equate to?

• A. (Dosage)(Flow Rate)
• B. (Dosage)(Flow Rate)(Conversion Factor)
• C. (Flow Rate)(Concentration)
• D. (Conversion Factor)(Concentration)

Answer: (B)

In the conversion of milligrams-per-liter (mg/L) concentration to pounds per day, the feed rate is determined by the product of dosage, flow rate, and the appropriate conversion factor.

The dosage represents the concentration of the substance being treated, while the flow rate indicates how much water is being treated in a given time, usually in gallons per minute or similar units. To convert the concentration from mg/L to pounds per day, it's crucial to include a conversion factor that translates the units from milligrams to pounds and adjusts for the flow rate over the course of a day.

This three-part relationship (dosage, flow rate, and conversion factor) is essential to ensure that the final calculation accurately represents how much of the substance is being introduced into the water system daily. Without the conversion factor, you would not achieve the correct scales for converting milligrams to pounds, leading to an incorrect understanding of the treatment dosage needed.

The other answer options either omit the necessary conversion factor or do not completely incorporate the flow rate and dosage in a way that would yield the desired daily feed rate in pounds, leading them to fall short of accurately representing the relationship necessary for this conversion.