What is the definition of part per billion?

Part per billion (ppb) is a measurement that indicates the concentration of a substance in a solution or mixture. The definition specifies that one part per billion refers to one part of a substance for every billion parts of the total mixture. This is a commonly used unit in environmental science and aquatic pest management, especially when dealing with trace levels of chemicals or pollutants in water.

Using this scale allows for the measurement of contaminants at extremely low concentrations, which is critical in aquatic environments where even minute quantities can have significant ecological effects. Understanding this measurement is essential for effective monitoring and management practices in aquatic ecosystems, ensuring that chemical treatments and pollution levels remain within safe and effective limits.