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A pH indicator is a halochromic chemical compound added in small amounts to a solution so the

pH (acidity or basicity) of the solution can be determined visually. Hence, a pH indicator is a


chemical detector for hydronium ions (H3O+) or hydrogen ions (H+) in the Arrhenius model.
Normally, the indicator causes the color of the solution to change depending on the pH.
Indicators can also show change in other physical properties. The pH indicator also can be used
in the daily life. One of the application is testing the acidity or basicity of soils. Some plants
grow best in slightly acidic soils (such as azaleas and pineapples) while others grow best in
slightly basic soils (such as violets) because soil is dark in colour, a white inert solid such as
barium sulfate is mixed with the soil before the indicator is added. The colour of the indicator
can be seen on the white solid.If a soil is found to be too acidic, it can be partially neutralised by
adding a weak base such as powdered limestone (calcium carbonate).If a soil is found to be too
basic, it can be partially neutralised by adding a weak acid such as ammonium sulfate. Apart
from that, testing home swimming pools. Monitoring liquid wastes, such as those from
photographic processing, as liquids discharged into the sewerage system must be nearly neutral
to avoid causing corrosion. In the food industry, pH is principally used to govern the physical
and chemical reactions required to produce food and prevent the growth of pathogens. This is
exemplified while producing dairy and alcoholic beverages as it involves fermentation.Useful
yeasts and molds that chemically modify the input materials work optimally at specific pHs.
Further, pH values must be monitored to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms that
can cause food spoilage or adversely impact the taste and quality of the final product. Thus,
accurate pH measurement equipment can ensure product quality and compliance with food safety
regulations.In the electrochemistry industry, pH measurement is central to the processes of
plating, metal surface etching, and battery assembly. The pH of a plating solution will affect the
finished plate– incorrect pH may increase the plated surface’s susceptibility to peeling and result
in sub-optimal color and finish.Anodic oxidation produces an oxide layer on a metal surface to
increase the metal’s resistance to corrosion and wear. Manipulating the pH of the processing
solution is necessary to achieve the desired finish and quality. The paper and textiles industry
require accurate pH measurements to ensure the wastewater produced in plants does not damage
equipment and the environment.Wastewater typically contains effluents which can adhere to the
electrodes used in papermaking. To remove these suspended solid effluents, flocculating agents
are added which promote precipitation of particles. Wastewater treatment occurs in precipitation
tanks. The pH is measured and adjusted to minimize damage to the tank and detect the endpoint
of the process.In the textiles industry, pH measurement is essential in the dying process as
specific pH values dictate the processing speed and longevity of the dye.
www.marinecy.com/.../EH_pH_measurement_in_industrial_processes.pdf

www.researchgate.net/.../281630639_An_Overview_on_pH_Measurement_Technique_and_App
lication_in_Biomedical_and_Industrial_Process

https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/09556221111136539

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171909/

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