What is Alkalinity

Alkalinity is a major concept of Environment Engineering subject of Civil Engineering. But what is it ?

Students get confused with pH , pOH , alkalies etc. So be patience and go thorough this whole article and you will come to know about What is Alkalinity ? and all your doubts will get clear.

What Is Alkalinity

Alkalinity is defined as the quantity of ions in water that will react  to neutralize hydrogen ions (H+) . Thus alkalinity is the quantity of ions present in water which react with acids to neutralize them. It helps in maintaining pH of water sample.

Cause Of Alkalinity

Now on talking about the major cause of alkalinity in water we can sum up like that there are three major ions which creates alkalinity in water.
Hence those three major constituents of water those are creating alkalinity are CO²⁻₃ , HCO⁻₃ , OH⁻.  
These were the major source of alkalinity there are certain othe constituents which causes alkalinity .
Those minor constituents are HSiO⁻₃ ,H PO4^-2, NH₃ etc . 

Alkalinity Reactions

Effects of Alkaline

1. Alkalinity imparts bitter test in water .

2. In alkaline water , reaction may occur in alkalinity and other cations present in the water .

3. The resultant of those reactions cause foul pipes and other water system appurtenances.

Reaction between alkalinity and other cations present in water is shown below :-