What would be the total number of pounds of alum needed if the desired dosage increases to 10 mg/L for the same 5.5 million gallons treated?

To determine the total number of pounds of alum required at a dosage of 10 mg/L for treating 5.5 million gallons of water, we first need to convert the volume of water from gallons to liters and then apply the desired dosage.

1. Convert Gallons to Liters:

There are approximately 3.78541 liters in a gallon. Thus, for 5.5 million gallons, the conversion to liters is:

[

5.5 \text{ million gallons} \times 3.78541 \text{ L/gallon} = 20,817,200 \text{ liters}

]

2. Calculate the Total Dose in Milligrams:

With the desired dosage of 10 mg/L, the total amount of alum required in milligrams can be calculated as:

[

20,817,200 \text{ L} \times 10 \text{ mg/L} = 208,172,000 \text{ mg}

]

3. Convert Milligrams to Pounds:

There are approximately 453,592 mg in a pound. To find the amount in pounds, convert the total milligrams:

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