Alkalinity of water refers to ability of water to neutralize strong acids. In na

Question

Alkalinity of water refers to ability of water to neutralize strong acids.

In natural waters, alkalinity is mainly due to bicarbonate and carbonate ions present in water. Other basic ions like PO43, SiO(OH)3, HSO4 etc., are present in insignificant quantity.

Neutralization reactions:

HCO3- + H+ --> H2CO3

CO32- + 2 H+ --> H2CO3

1 mole of HCO3- neutralizes 1 mole of acid

1 moles of CO32- neutralizes 2 moles of acid

Total alkalinity = [HCO3-] + 2 [CO32-] + [OH-] - [H+]

For natural water, [OH-] = [H+] at pH = 7

Total alkalinity ~ [HCO3-] + 2 [CO32-]

Explanation / Answer

Explain why for most natural waters alkalinity can be assumed to be: [HCO3-] + 2[CO32-].

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