Why does a Water Source Change pH?
The pH of surface water falls under the range 6.5 to 8.5 and groundwater have a pH under range 6.0 to 8.5. The pH value of pure water is 7, that makes it a neutral solution. However, the pH of water can change due to numerous natural factors and human interaction. Natural factors like photosynthesis, respiration can cause a shift in pH level of water. When gases like carbon-dioxide is dissolved in water, it increases the acidity of the water. Various human activities like discharging wastewater in water bodies, agricultural and industrial waste, oil spillage, etc causes water pollution and hence results in change of pH level. Accumulation of various other minerals, pollutants, soil in water can also cause in varying pH levels of water.
pH of Acid and Base
pH stands for Potential of Hydrogen, which simply means the power of hydrogen in a compound. pH value helps determine the nature of the solution. It helps to define the acidity and basicity of a solution. pH value should be balanced for the proper well-being of the environment and living organisms.
This article will cover information about the pH of acid and base, the pH scale, the calculation of pH value and the importance of pH.
Table of Content
- What is pH in Chemistry?
- pH of Acid and Base
- pH scale
- Why does a Water Source Change pH?
- How to calculate pH ?
- Importance of pH