3, (10 points) As water flows down the Colorado River, it is held in large reser

Question

3, (10 points) As water flows down the Colorado River, it is held in large reservoirs behind dams. A great deal of water evaporates from the river and dams, which increases the of the water. Also, farming along the Colorado uses irrigation for crops; much of this water returns to the Colorado, but a salt concentration increase as a result of this process. Furthermore, municipal uses of water further increase salinity. We will look at the Colorado River between Lake Powell behind Glen Canyon Dam) and Lake Mead (behind Dam). By carefully using the concept of Conservation In Mass, we can keep track of the amount of in river the amount of salt. we this way, we can calculate the salinity in the Colorado River, and see how it changes as go downstream. COLORADO RIVER BASIN Salinity Control Forum COLOR

Explanation / Answer

Question: What is the concentration of salt in the colarodo river as it flows into Lake Powell? Express answer in Mg/ Litre.

Answer: As per conservation of mass, Mass is never lost or gained in chemical reactions.Mass is conserved.

Given: In a year:

Water Flow into Lake Powell = 1.45 x 1010 m3 = 1.45 x 1010 x 103 litre. = 1.45 x 1013 litre (Since 1 m3 = 1000 litre)

Salt entering lake Powell      = 7.80 x 109 kg. = 7.80 x 109 x 103 mg     = 7.80 x 1012 mg (Since 1 kg = 1000 mg)

Concentration of salt in colarodo river = 7.80 x 1012 mg / 1.45 x 1013 litre

                                                      = 7.80 x 1012 x 10-13 / 1.45

                                                                        =7.80 x 10-1 / 1.45

                                                      = 5.38 x 10-1

Concentration of salt in colarodo river = 0.538 mg/litre

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