diff --git a/src/pyEQL/engines.py b/src/pyEQL/engines.py
index 6819ee43..40356308 100644
--- a/src/pyEQL/engines.py
+++ b/src/pyEQL/engines.py
@@ -467,7 +467,7 @@ def get_solute_volume(self, solution):
             if rform == salt.anion:
                 anion = i
 
-        solute_vol = 0 * unit.Quantity("L")
+        solute_vol = unit.Quantity("0 L")
 
         # use the pitzer approach if parameters are available