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Calculation Langelier Index PDF
Calculation Langelier Index PDF
AND LABRADOR
Department of Environment and Conservation
LI = pH − pH s
In order to calculate pHs, pK 2′ , pK s′ and pCa 2+ must first be computed. Explanations of how to do these
calculations are given below. In addition, concentrations of Ca2+ and Alk must also be converted to moles per litre.
These steps are described below.
a. Determine the Ionic Strength (I), in moles per litre (M), of the water:
b. Determine γ m , the activity coefficient of monovalent ions (ions that are able to form only one covalent
or ionic bond – having only one valence) using the Davies relationship:
⎛ I ⎞
If I < 0.5M , log γ m = − AZ 2 ⎜⎜ − 0.2 I ⎟⎟
⎝1+ I ⎠
⎛ I ⎞
If 0.5M < I < 1.0 M , log γ m = − AZ 2 ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟
⎝1+ I ⎠
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where M = molarity (moles per litre)
−3
A = 1.82 × 10 6 (DT ) 2
D = 78.3 , the dialectric constant for water and T = temperature in Kelvins (K). To convert
temperature (t) in degrees centigrade (°C) to Kelvins (K):
[T = t(°C)+273]
and Z = the oxidation number of the chemical species in question, which for monovalent ions = 1
⎛ I ⎞
If 0.5M < I < 1.0 M , log γ m = − AZ 2 ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟
⎝ 1 + I ⎠
c. Calculate pK 2 :
2902.39
pK 2 = + 0.02379(T ) − 6.498
T
K 2 = 10 − pK 2
d. Calculate γ D , the activity coefficient of divalent ions (ions having two valences):
⎡ I ⎤
log γ D = − AZ 2 ⎢ ⎥
⎣1 + I ⎦
and Z = the oxidation number of the chemical species in question, which for divalent ions = 2
Then calculate γ D :
γ D = 10 log γ D
e. Calculate K 2′ :
K2
K 2′ =
γD
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f. We can then calculate pK 2′ :
1
pK 2′ = log
K 2′
a. First compute pK s :
pK s = 0.01183t + 8.03
K s = 10 − pK s
Ks
K s′ =
(γ D )2
1
pK s′ = log
K s′
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3. To compute pCa 2+ :
c. Calculate pCa 2+ :
1
pCa 2+ = log 2+
[Ca (moles / litre)]
4. Alkalinity (Alk) is reported as mg/litre CaCO3. It is necessary to convert the given alkalinity concentration to
moles/litre:
Reference:
Benefield, L., Judkins, J. & Weand, B. 1982. Process Chemistry for Water and Wastewater Treatment. Prentice-
Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
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