L1 /
4
CH3041
ALKALINITY II
• Alkalinity: this is the capacity of water to
accept H+.
accept H+.
• A high alkalinity acts as a pH buffer for the
water, ie. a buffer capacity.
water, ie. a buffer capacity.
• units: meq / L = milliequivalents / L
mmol(H+) / L natural water 1 meq / L
the alkalinity will neutralise 1 mmol H+
mmol(H+) / L natural water 1 meq / L
the alkalinity will neutralise 1 mmol H+
• NB. Sometimes meq /L may mean
mg CaCO3 equivalent / L
where: CaCO3 + 2H+ ® Ca2+ + CO2 + H2O
mg CaCO3 equivalent / L
where: CaCO3 + 2H+ ® Ca2+ + CO2 + H2O
