Arrange these soluble cations (Na, Ca, K, Mg) in ascending order of abundance of soluble cations found in saline water bodies:
Arrange these soluble cations (Na, Ca, K, Mg) in ascending order of abundance of soluble cations found in saline water bodies:
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
Soluble cation abundance in saline water::Seawater (the reference saline water body) contains these major cations with approximate concentrations:• Sodium (Na⁺): ~10,800 mg/L (470 mM) — BY FAR the most abundant• Magnesium (Mg²⁺): ~1,290 mg/L (53 mM)• Calcium (Ca²⁺): ~412 mg/L (10 mM)• Potassium (K⁺): ~399 mg/L (10 mM)Ascending order (lowest to highest):Equivalently:(from most to least abundant).This order is important for:• Understanding osmotic balance in marine organisms.• Biogeochemistry of ocean water chemistry.• Marine biotechnology applications.Answer: Ascending order of abundance: K < Ca < Mg < Na (i.e., Na > Mg > Ca > K from most to least).