Answer to Question #219368 in Organic Chemistry for kiran

Question

A fungus that grows on peanuts produces a deadly toxin. When ingested in large amounts, this toxin destroys the liver and can cause cancer. 

Any shipment of peanuts that contains more than 25 ppb of this dangerous fungus is rejected. A company receives 18 t of peanuts to make peanut butter. What is the maximum mass, in g, of fungus that is allowed? Hint 1 t = 1000 kg

Answer 1

25 ppb = 25 \div 109 ( ppb stands for parts per billion , 1 billion = 109 units)

= 25 x 10-9

Mass of peanuts received = 18 t = 18 x 1000 Kg

= 18000 Kg

Maximum mass of fungus allowed in 18 t = 25 x 10-9 x 18000

= 4.5 x 10-4 Kg

= 4.5 x 10-4 x 1000 g (1 Kg = 1000 g)

= 0.45 g