13.9.

2022
2.7 WATER ACIDITY AND CARBON DIOXIDE

 Noteworthy, the acidic character of some hydrated metal cations

which mostly come from wastes also contribute to water acidity.

2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water

 It is the most important weak acid in water

 Dissolution in seawater is important for the reduction of atmospheric

carbon dioxide “a green house gas” that is a great contributor to
climate warming

 Carbon dioxide and its ionization products () have an important

influence on the chemistry of water.
2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water

 Many minerals are deposited as salts of the carbonate ion

 Algae in water utilize dissolved to synthesize biomass

Equilibrium of dissolved between the atmospheric and the

equilibrium of between aquatic solution and solid carbonate minerals
have a strong buffering effect upon the pH of water
2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water

 Carbon dioxide is only about 0.039% by volume of normal dry air

 The formation of greatly increases the solubility of carbon dioxide

 High concentration of free Carbo dioxide may adversely affect the

respiration and gas exchange of aquatic life.

 It may even cause death and should not exceed 25 mg/L

2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water
 Most of the carbon dioxide in water comes from comes from the
breakdown of organic matter by bacteria and algae metabolism

 Further, as water seeps through layers of decaying organic matter, it

dissolves carbon dioxide that is produced by respiration

 As water goes through limestone formations, it dissolves calcium

carbonate because of the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide
Limestone caves
come from this
process
2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water
2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water
 Although carbon dioxide in water is usually represented as , the
equilibrium constant for the reaction below is around 0.002 at RT
implying that just a small amount of dissolved carbon dioxide is
present as

 The system in water may be described by the following equations.

2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water
2.7.1 Carbon dioxide in water
 The predominant species formed by carbon dioxide dissolved in
water depends upon pH.

 Physical considerations (Pg 57 and 58) shows that the is the most
predominant species in the pH range found in most waters with
predominating in more acidic waters.
2.8 Alkalinity
 The capacity of water to accept ions is called alkalinity

 It is important in water treatment and in the chemistry and biology of natural

waters

 Highly alkaline water often has a pH and generally contains elevated levels of
dissolved solids

 It serves as a pH buffer and reservoir for inorganic carbon and this helps to
determine the ability of water to support algal growth and other aquatic life (water
fertility)
2.8 Alkalinity
 Species responsible for alkalinity in water are bicarbonate, carbonate
and hydroxide ions as illustrated;

 Other minor contributors to alkalinity are ammonia and the conjugate

bases of phosphoric, silicic, boric and organic acids.
2.8 Alkalinity
 At pH 7, [ in water detracts significantly from alkalinity and must be
subtracted when computing total alkalinity

 Therefore, where the contributors are only and , total alkalinity is given
by the expression;

 Alkalinity is generally expressed as phenolphthalein alkalinity where the

acid titration corresponds to pH (8.3) with dominating.
2.8 Alkalinity
 It can also be referred to as total alkalinity where the titration with an
acid end in pH (4.3) the methyl orange end point where both
bicarbonate and carbonate species convert to carbon dioxide.

 In engineering, alkalinity is expressed in units of mg/L of Ca based

upon the following reaction;
2.8 Alkalinity
Task

From pages 60 to 62, read and make summarized notes for future
considerations.
2.9 Calcium and other metals in water
Project Pages 62 through 68