Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

Which contaminant is typically measured in mg/l to assess sulfate levels in drinking water?

1. Potassium

2. Manganese

3. Sulfate

4. Iron

The correct answer is: Sulfate

Sulfate is a naturally occurring anion, commonly found in drinking water as a result of both natural processes and human activities. The measurement of sulfate concentration is typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/l), reflecting the mass of sulfate in a given volume of water. This unit of measurement is standard in water quality testing, making it easy to quantify and compare sulfate levels across different water sources. Assessing sulfate levels in drinking water is important because high concentrations can affect taste and could also have health implications. The World Health Organization has set guidelines for acceptable sulfate levels in drinking water, highlighting its significance in water quality management. The other contaminants listed do not typically focus on sulfate levels, nor are they primarily expressed in mg/l for the purpose of evaluating sulfate specifically. Potassium, manganese, and iron might be monitored for different reasons and are associated with different health or aesthetic concerns, but they do not directly relate to sulfate evaluation, which is why sulfate is the appropriate answer for this question.