Alkalinity is primarily a way of measuring the capacity of water to neutralize acids (ability to maintain a relatively constant pH). The possibility to maintain constant pH is due to the hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates ions present in water. The ability of natural water to act as a buffer is controlled in part by the amount of calcium and carbonate ions in solution.
Water may have a low alkalinity rating but a relatively high pH or vice versa, so alkalinity alone is not of major importance as a measure of water quality.
GET INSTANT HELP FROM EXPERTS!
- Looking for any kind of help on your academic work (essay, assignment, project)?
- Want us to review, proofread or tidy up your work?
- Want a helping hand so that you can focus on the more important tasks?
Hire us as project guide/assistant. Contact us for more information
Alkalinity is not considered detrimental to humans but is generally associated with high pH values, hardness and excess dissolved solids. High alkalinity may also have a distinctly flat, unpleasant taste.
As per the provisional code, alkalinity should not exceed 200 mg/L for potable water. For fresh water, alkalinity ranges between 20-100 mg/L.
Leave a Reply