How to find the volume of the pollutant dumped into the river?

In summary, to find the volume of the pollutant dumped into a river, one must determine the concentration of the pollutant in the water, the flow rate of the river, and the time period over which the dumping occurred. By collecting water samples to measure pollutant concentration and using the flow rate, the volume can be calculated using the formula: Volume = Concentration × Flow Rate × Time. This approach provides an accurate estimate of the total pollutant volume discharged into the river.
  • #1
DumpmeAdrenaline
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Homework Statement
A river flows at 6000 m^3/s. At a given point, a factory dumps some pollutant into the river in the form of a pulse injection. At a position 500 km downstream from the spill the concentration profile is measured as it passes by. The profile has the shape of a symmetrical triangle as shown below. (a) How many moles of pollutant were dumped into the river? (b) Calculate the volume of the river between the point of dumping and the measurement point.
Expert Answer
Relevant Equations
$$ E(t)=\frac{C(t)}{\int_0^{\infty} C(t)dt}
$$ \tao=\int_0^{\infty} tE(t)dt $$
$$ \tao=\frac{Q}{V}
The number of moles dumped into the river from the concentration at the measuring point by summing the amount of $$ \Delta{N} $$ between 20 and 50.
$$ \int_{20}^{50} Q_{river}C(t)dt=777,60,000 moles $$

The center of the pulse is the mean residence time.

$$ \frac{V}{Q}=35 $$
$$ Q=6000 m^3/s=5.184*10^8 \frac{m^3}{day}$$
$$ V=35(days)* 5.184*10^8 \frac{m^3}{day}=1.8144 V $$

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  • #2
DumpmeAdrenaline said:
Homework Statement: A river flows at 6000 m^3/s. At a given point, a factory dumps some pollutant into the river in the form of a pulse injection. At a position 500 km downstream from the spill the concentration profile is measured as it passes by. The profile has the shape of a symmetrical triangle as shown below. (a) How many moles of pollutant were dumped into the river? (b) Calculate the volume of the river between the point of dumping and the measurement point.
Expert Answer
Relevant Equations: $$ E(t)=\frac{C(t)}{\int_0^{\infty} C(t)dt}
$$ \tao=\int_0^{\infty} tE(t)dt $$
$$ \tao=\frac{Q}{V}

The number of moles dumped into the river from the concentration at the measuring point by summing the amount of $$ \Delta{N} $$ between 20 and 50.
$$ \int_{20}^{50} Q_{river}C(t)dt=777,60,000 moles $$
I think you mean 77,760,000 moles
DumpmeAdrenaline said:
The center of the pulse is the mean residence time.

$$ \frac{V}{Q}=35 $$
$$ Q=6000 m^3/s=5.184*10^8 \frac{m^3}{day}$$
$$ V=35(days)* 5.184*10^8 \frac{m^3}{day}=1.8144 V $$
Yes, the river volume is the mean residence time times the volume flow rate.
 

FAQ: How to find the volume of the pollutant dumped into the river?

How can I measure the volume of a pollutant dumped into a river?

To measure the volume of a pollutant dumped into a river, you can use a combination of flow rate measurements and concentration data. By monitoring the flow rate of the river and sampling the pollutant concentration at various points, you can calculate the total volume using the formula: Volume = Flow Rate × Concentration × Time.

What tools or instruments are needed to measure the pollutant volume?

Common tools and instruments used include flow meters to measure the river's flow rate, water sampling kits to collect samples at different points, and laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers or chromatography systems to analyze pollutant concentrations. Data loggers and software for data analysis are also essential.

How often should I sample the river to get accurate measurements?

The frequency of sampling depends on the variability of the pollutant discharge and the river's flow rate. For accurate measurements, continuous or frequent sampling is recommended, especially during periods of suspected high discharge. Automated sampling systems can provide real-time data and improve accuracy.

How do I account for variations in river flow when calculating pollutant volume?

To account for variations in river flow, you should measure the flow rate at multiple times and locations. Using average flow rates over the sampling period can help provide a more accurate estimate. Additionally, employing hydrological models can assist in understanding and predicting flow variations.

What are the potential sources of error in measuring pollutant volume, and how can they be minimized?

Potential sources of error include inaccurate flow rate measurements, inconsistent sampling methods, and laboratory analysis errors. To minimize these errors, ensure that flow meters are calibrated regularly, follow standardized sampling protocols, and use quality control measures in the laboratory. Cross-checking data with multiple methods can also help validate results.

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