Question

Why is alkalinity an important parameter of water quality?

Answer 1

Human and all living organisms depends on water resources for their life. We know our biological system is sensitive to changes in pH. It is better to have a physiological pH (~7.2-7.5). For water in any case If anything changes are made to the water that results to raise or lower the pH value, alkalinity (pH > 7) such as carbonate or bicarbonate acts as a buffer, protects the safe water and its life forms from sudden changes in pH. The ability to make it neutralize acid, or H+ ions, is especially very very important in regions, where the water is affected by acid rain.

Alkalinity consists of the sum of titratable carbonate and non-carbonate chemical species in a sample which act to neutralize acid, in most natural waters alkalinity is attributed to the dissolved carbon dioxide species, bicarbonate and carbonate. Carbonate alkalinity therefore specifically refers to acid neutralizing capacity attributed to bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) and carbonate (CO₃^-2) species. Alkalinity is also an important factor in maintaining such things as aquariums and swimming pools to name just a few. The bottom line is that alkalinity plays an essential role in all aspects of aquatic chemistry.

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