Environmental Chemistry - Result Question 22

22. A water sample has ppm level concentration of the following metals: $Fe=0.2 ; Mn=5.0 ; Cu=3.0 ; Zn=5.0$. The metal that makes the water sample unsuitable for drinking is

(2019 Main, 9 Jan I)

(a) $Cu$

(b) $Fe$

(c) $Mn$

(d) $Zn$

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 22. (c)

Solution:

  1. For drinking water, the maximum recommended levels of some metals, set by European Environment Commission (EEC) is
Metal Max. concentration in ppm
$Zn$ 5
$Mn$ 0.05
$Fe$ 0.2
$Cu$ 3

As the concentration of $Mn$ in the given water sample is more than the recommended concentration. Thus, it makes water unsuitable for drinking.