Retentionsgrad

Retentionsgrad is a German term used to describe the degree or proportion of retention of a substance, object, or effect under a given process or time. It denotes how much of an initial quantity remains or is preserved after processing, interval, or handling.

Calculation and interpretation

Retentionsgrad is typically defined as the retained amount divided by the initial amount, often expressed as a percentage: Retentionsgrad = (retained amount / initial amount) × 100%. In some contexts it may be reported as a unitless fraction. The exact meaning depends on the field and the definitions of “initial” and “retained.”

Applications

The concept appears in several disciplines. In pharmacology and toxicology, it can describe how much of a drug or contaminant remains in tissue or an organ. In environmental engineering and hydrology, it may quantify the retention of pollutants, nutrients, or sediments in a basin, soil layer, or filtration system. In materials science and process engineering, Retentionsgrad can reflect how much moisture, additive, or impurity is retained after a treatment or manufacturing step. The common goal across contexts is to assess efficiency, durability, or exposure under specified conditions.

Example

If an initial amount of 50 g is reduced to 20 g retained after a process, Retentionsgrad = (20/50) × 100% = 40%.

Limitations

The meaning of Retentionsgrad depends on context, including the time point, how initial and retained amounts are defined, and measurement methods. Clear specification is essential for meaningful comparison of results.

See also

Retention rate, recovery, mass balance.