HEALTH TREASURES Water pH Papers |
Water and pH pH is a measure of hydrogen ion activity or concentration. It is expressed mathematically by pH = log (1/[H+] = -log {H+}. Because water is a weak electrolyte, small numbers of water molecules dissociate into ions: H20 = H+ + OH- . Since equal amounts of H+ and OH- are released, neutrality exists, and pH = -log [10-7] = 7. Below the neutral value of pH 7, a solution is acidic; above pH 7, a solution is alkaline. A change of one pH unit indicates a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration. pH and Buffering Water dissolves mineral substances it contacts, picks up aerosols and dust from the air, receives man-made wastes, and supports photosynthetic organisms, all of these affect pH. The buffering capacity of water, or its ability to resist pH change, is critical to aquatic life, as it determines the range of pH. Generally, the ability of aquatic organisms to complete a life cycle greatly diminishes as pH becomes >9.0 or <5.0. Photosynthesis and pH Photosynthesis by aquatic plants removes CO2 from the water, which can significantly increase pH. Therefore, in waters with plant life (including planktonic algae), especially low-velocity or still waters, an increase in pH can be expected during the growing season. Eutrophic lakes and isolated backwaters often exhibit marked pH increases resulting from photosynthesis. Furthermore, in the depths of a eutrophic lake, pH will drop because of decomposition of settling debris and the consequent increase in C02. Watersheds and pH The turbulence of flowing water promotes gaseous interchange between the atmosphere and water. The C02 content of water in rivers and streams is less likely to change, but be aware of other events in the watershed that may affect pH. Increased leaching of soils or mineral outcrops during snowmelt or heavy precipitation affects pH downstream. Human activities (e.g., accidental spills, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers, soil leachates), sewer overflow--may also change pH. How to Test pH Water for pH measurements should be analyzed within 2 hours of collection, preferably immediately. Biological activity in the sample water and loss of gases can change pH. pH Test papers are dipped in a water sample and compared to a color chart which comes with the paper. Test papers come in wide ranges graduated in 1.0 pH units, and narrow ranges graduated in 0.5 pH units. Wide range test papers are used to determine the approximate pH value. Narrow range papers give a more accurate pH estimation. Sharp color changes assure reasonably high precision. The true pH value can be estimated only to the nearest 0.5 pH unit with the narrow range papers. |
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