Question

Arrange these soluble cations (Na, Ca, K, Mg) in ascending order of abundance of soluble cations found in saline water bodies.

(a) Na > Mg > Ca > K

(b) Mg > Na > Ca > K

(c) K > Mg > Ca > Na

(d) Na > Mg > K > Ca

This question was addressed to me in an international level competition.

My doubt is from Microalgal Species for Aquaculture in section Biotechnological Approaches of Microalgal Culture of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Na > Mg > Ca > K

To explain I would say: Na > Mg > Ca > K is the correct order with respect to abundance of soluble cations found in saline costal soils, as Na is the major component of salt, so, it is found in higher abundance.