Scribd
Upload
2 views3 pages

Logarithm of H+ Ion Concentration. The PH Value of Any Substance or Solution Indicates Whether It Is Acidic, Neutral, or Alkaline

PH

Uploaded by

nirmalaezhil26
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views3 pages

Logarithm of H+ Ion Concentration. The PH Value of Any Substance or Solution Indicates Whether It Is Acidic, Neutral, or Alkaline

PH

Uploaded by

nirmalaezhil26
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

pH stands for Potential of Hydrogen and is defined as the logarithm

of H+ ion concentration. The pH value of any substance or

solution indicates whether it is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.


The term pH was first introduced by Soren Peter (Biochemist), in
1909
.A pH scale is a tool for determining the concentrations of acids and
bases. The scale runs from 0 to 14, with 0 being the lowest and 14
being the highest. Litmus paper is a test that determines if a
substance is acidic or basic.
An indicator that determines whether a solution is acid or basic is
known as a pH indicator

The pH scale is logarithmic, and therefore small changes in pH


value can equate to much larger variations in practice. For
instance, a solution at pH 4 is 10 times more acidic than a
solution at pH 5, and 100 times more acidic than pH 6. This is why
keeping a close eye on pH values is important in so many
industrial processes, as a small drift can have a significant effect
on product quality as well as process efficiency and safety, both
for workers and end customers.

Treatment of potable water and wastewater is one of the most


common applications where pH measurement is used. Water at
the lower end of the pH scale can degrade pipes and taps,
allowing toxic materials to seep into the water supply. If the pH
level is too high, it can cause an unpleasant taste. In wastewater
treatment, pH levels must be controlled to ensure optimal
conditions to achieve the required chemical or microbial
reactions and ensure that the process runs efficiently.

pH influences the effectiveness of various treatment processes such


as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and disinfection.
Wastewater treatment often involves biological treatment stages
where microorganisms degrade organic matter. These
microorganisms are sensitive to pH fluctuations, and maintaining a
stable pH range is essential for their growth and activity.
.
pH control helps prevent corrosion of equipment and pipelines within
the Wastewater treatment plant. Highly acidic or alkaline wastewater
can corrode metal surfaces, leading to structural damage and
operational issues.
Discharging untreated or poorly treated wastewater with improper pH
levels can have detrimental effects on receiving water bodies and
aquatic ecosystems. Extreme pH levels can harm aquatic life, disrupt
ecological balance, and degrade water quality, impacting both flora
and fauna.

You might also like