Parts Per Million (PPM) Calculator
Calculate trace concentrations with professional accuracy and comprehensive analysis guidance
PPM Calculation
Mass of dissolved substance
Total mass of solution/mixture
Add any relevant notes about this calculation
PPM Information
Parts per million (ppm) is a dimensionless unit expressing very dilute concentrations of substances.
Common Applications:
Typical Detection Methods:
• Ultra-trace (<0.1 ppm): ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS
• Trace (0.1-10 ppm): HPLC, GC, ICP-OES
• Low (10-1000 ppm): Spectrophotometry, Titration
• High (>1000 ppm): Gravimetric, Direct methods
PPM Application Scenarios
Reference guide for typical PPM ranges and applications across different industries
Chlorine Disinfection
Drinking water chlorination
Typical Range: 0.5-4 ppm
Max Allowed: 4 ppm
Health Considerations: EPA maximum residual disinfectant level
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Municipal water treatment
• Swimming pool sanitation
• Cooling tower treatment
Heavy Metals
Toxic metal contamination monitoring
Typical Range: μg/L to mg/L
Max Allowed: Varies by metal
Health Considerations: Lead: 15 ppb, Copper: 1.3 ppm
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Drinking water testing
• Environmental monitoring
• Industrial discharge
Total Dissolved Solids
Overall water mineralization
Typical Range: 50-500 ppm
Max Allowed: 500 ppm (EPA secondary)
Health Considerations: Affects taste, no direct health effects
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Water quality assessment
• Reverse osmosis monitoring
• Process water control
Trace Impurities
Drug substance impurity analysis
Typical Range: 0.1-1000 ppm
Max Allowed: ICH Q3A/Q3B limits
Health Considerations: Depends on daily dose and toxicity
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• API testing
• Finished product analysis
• Stability studies
Residual Solvents
Manufacturing solvent residues
Typical Range: 10-5000 ppm
Max Allowed: ICH Q3C classification
Health Considerations: Class 1: 2-8 ppm, Class 2: 50-3880 ppm
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Raw material testing
• Process validation
• Release testing
Elemental Impurities
Heavy metals in pharmaceuticals
Typical Range: 0.1-100 ppm
Max Allowed: ICH Q3D limits
Health Considerations: Based on permitted daily exposure
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Raw material screening
• Product release
• Supplier qualification
Air Pollutants
Atmospheric contamination measurement
Typical Range: 1-1000 ppm
Max Allowed: OSHA/NIOSH limits
Health Considerations: TWA and STEL exposure limits
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Workplace monitoring
• Ambient air quality
• Industrial hygiene
Soil Contamination
Soil pollutant concentration
Typical Range: 1-10000 ppm
Max Allowed: Site-specific risk assessment
Health Considerations: Depends on land use and exposure pathway
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Site remediation
• Agricultural monitoring
• Industrial site assessment
Groundwater Monitoring
Subsurface water contamination
Typical Range: 0.1-1000 ppm
Max Allowed: Maximum contaminant levels
Health Considerations: EPA drinking water standards
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Well water testing
• Remediation monitoring
• Regulatory compliance
Pesticide Residues
Agricultural chemical residues
Typical Range: 0.01-50 ppm
Max Allowed: FDA tolerance levels
Health Considerations: Acceptable daily intake limits
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Fresh produce testing
• Processed food analysis
• Import screening
Food Additives
Permitted additive concentrations
Typical Range: 1-10000 ppm
Max Allowed: FDA GRAS limits
Health Considerations: ADI and safety factor considerations
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Quality control
• Label verification
• Regulatory compliance
Heavy Metals in Food
Toxic metal contamination
Typical Range: 0.01-10 ppm
Max Allowed: FDA action levels
Health Considerations: Chronic exposure concerns
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Raw material testing
• Finished product analysis
• Supplier verification
Process Control
Manufacturing process monitoring
Typical Range: 0.1-10000 ppm
Max Allowed: Process specification limits
Health Considerations: Worker exposure and product quality
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Chemical manufacturing
• Petroleum refining
• Semiconductor fabrication
Quality Control
Product specification testing
Typical Range: 1-1000 ppm
Max Allowed: Customer specifications
Health Considerations: End-use application requirements
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Raw material acceptance
• In-process control
• Final product release
Waste Treatment
Effluent treatment monitoring
Typical Range: 1-10000 ppm
Max Allowed: Discharge permits
Health Considerations: Environmental protection requirements
Detection Methods:
Common Uses:
• Wastewater treatment
• Air emission control
• Solid waste management