INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY

Alkalinity of water

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 Objective:

❑ Explain the alkalinity of water.

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 INTRODUCTION

The alkalinity refers to the

measure of the capacity of
the water to neutralize the
acids. It can measure the
bicarbonate, carbon dioxide,
hydroxide ions, and
carbonate naturally present in
the water.

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 The pH level of drinking water refers to how
basic or acidic it is. The pH level refers to the
hydrogen ions found in the water. It stands for
’potential of hydrogen.’

The pH level of the water at normal drinking

level, carbonate, and bicarbonate are the main
contributors to its alkalinity.

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 WHAT IS ALKALINITY IN DRINKING WATER?

Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to resist changes in pH that would make the
water more acidic. It also helps protect your health and piping when it comes
to drinking water.

The term “buffering capacity” usually denotes this capacity. Alkalinity also
refers to the capability of the water to neutralize the acid.

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 WHAT CHANGES THE ALKALINITY?
The pH and the alkalinity level of the well water can be affected by various
factors such as acidic sanitizers, rain, fill water, and other product
applications that can change the alkalinity level over time.

The majority of alkalinity in the surface water is from calcium carbonate,

CaCo3, leached from soil and rocks.

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 This process is enhanced if the soil and rocks have been broken up for
various reasons like urban development and mining. Limestone contains high
levels of calcium carbonate. When used to decrease the acidity at homes, it
can runoff into surface waters and raise the alkalinity level.

Alkalinity is important in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water. It

can influence the treatment processes such as anaerobic digestion. Water
can also become unsuitable for irrigation if it is higher than the natural level of
alkalinity in the soil.

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 • Alkalinity is closely related
to the acid-neutralizing
capacity (ANC) of a solution.
Often, ANC is incorrectly
used to refer to alkalinity.
But the acid-neutralizing
capacity can refer to the
combination of the solution
and solids available.
Examples are aquifer solids
and suspended matter.

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 HOW TO MEASURE ALKALINITY

Measurement of Alkalinity

❑ Titration is the process that measures alkalinity. The ‘titrant’ is an acid of

known strength added to a volume of a treated sample of water. The volume
of acid needed to bring the samples to a specific pH level reflects the
alkalinity of the sample. A color change indicates the pH endpoint.

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 Measuring Alkalinity

❑ The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) uses one common method for
measuring alkalinity. It is to take a water sample and add acid to it, then
check the pH of the water as acid is added. It takes an initial reading of
the water, adds small amounts of acid, stirs it, and then takes its pH. The
same steps are repeated many times.

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 FACTORS AFFECTING ALKALINITY

Geology and Soils

❑ The water system accumulates carbonates if the water passes through soil
and rock containing carbonate minerals, such as calcite (CaCO3).

❑ Waters with limestone and sedimentary rocks and carbonate-rich soils are
high in alkalinity.

❑ Waters with igneous rocks (such as granite) and carbonate-poor solids are
low in alkalinity. One example is the western part of the Boulder Creek
watershed.

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 Changes in pH

❑ Since pH and alkalinity are closely related, changes in pH can also

affect alkalinity. This is true, especially in a poorly buffered stream.

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 Sewage Outflow

❑ The effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) can increase

alkalinity to a stream. The wastewater from our houses also contains
bicarbonate and carbonate from the cleaning agents and food residue that
we put down our drains.

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 ALKALINITY DEGREE AND LEVELS

❑ Alkalinity with a pH of higher than 8.3 is mostly carbonate (CO32-). On the

other hand, alkalinity with a pH lower than 8.3 is mostly bicarbonate (HCO3-).

❑ Since alkalinity varies due to differences in geology, there are no set

standards for alkalinity. Freshwater usually has 20-200 mg/L levels of
alkalinity.

❑ A total alkalinity level of 100-200 mg/L can stabilize the pH level in a stream.
Levels below ten mg/L show that the water is poorly buffered and susceptible
to pH changes from natural and human-caused sources.

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 WHY ALKALINITY IS IMPORTANT

To A Body of Water

❑ The alkalinity of your nearby body of water is important to the health and
welfare of, for example, a lake. The ecosystem and organisms living in the
lake adapted to the water bodies that did not change quickly.

❑ To this day, water bodies are vulnerable to sudden inputs of chemicals,

such as those found in acid rain and wastewater. This can cause quick
changes in the acid/base balance of a lake - for instance, lowering the pH of
the lake water.

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 To Aquatic Organisms

❑ Fish and other aquatic life need a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0. Since alkalinity
buffers against rapid pH changes, the alkalinity helps protect the living
organisms who need a specific pH range. Higher alkalinity levels in surface
water can buffer acid rain and other acid wastes. This can prevent pH
changes that are hazardous to aquatic life.

To Drinking Water Source

❑ Alkalinity is also important in considering drinking water and wastewater

treatment because it influences cleaning processes like anaerobic
digestion. When the alkalinity level in water is higher than the natural level
of alkalinity in the soil, water may be unsuitable for irrigation.

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 THE PH LEVEL IN DRINKING WATER

To A Body of Water

❑ The pH level of the water is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. If the

measurement is below 7, it means that the water is acidic. If it is above 7,
then the water is alkaline or basic. If it is 7, then the water is neutral.

❑ If the pH level of the water is less than 6.5, then it can contribute to the
corrosion of the fixtures and the pipes. Also, how corrosive the water
depends upon other factors.

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 THE LEVEL OF ALKALINITY IN THE WATER

❑ Alkalinity comprises hydroxides, bicarbonates, and carbonates, which join

magnesium, calcium, and lye. You can find such components in antacids
like Rolaids or Tums, lye, baking soda, and limestone.

❑ If the alkalinity level is high, it will take more acid to lower the water's pH
level. One way to think of alkalinity is the ability of the water to neutralize
the acid.

❑ Alkalinity is expressed as ppm calcium carbonate equivalent. The higher

the number, meaning the more of these components are found in the water.

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 DOES ALKALINE WATER WORK?
The use of alkaline drinking water is controversial. According to experts,
regular water is still the best for people. There are no studies to verify the
claims made by alkaline water supporters fully.

But some studies show that alkaline

water can be helpful for certain
medical conditions. Moreover,
drinking alkaline ionized water can
positively benefit the body, especially
for those who have high blood
pressure, high cholesterol levels, and
diabetes.

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 Though there is a lack of scientific research, alkaline water supporters believe
that it brings various health benefits. They include:

❑ Anti-aging benefits (this is via the liquid

antioxidants which absorb faster in the
human body)
❑ Cleanses the colon
❑ Supports the immune system
❑ Lose weight
❑ Hydrates the skin and detoxifies it
❑ Provides resistance against cancer

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 Great job!
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 Now you can explain the alkalinity of water.

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 Conclusion

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