Alkalinity: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
alkalinity
[ หรฆl.kษหlษชn.ษช.ti ]
water chemistry
Alkalinity refers to the capacity of water to neutralize acids, which is primarily due to the presence of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide ions. It is an important parameter in water chemistry, as it helps maintain the pH balance of water bodies. High alkalinity levels can lead to buffering against pH changes, while low alkalinity may make water bodies susceptible to acidification. Monitoring alkalinity is crucial for various ecological and industrial processes, including drinking water treatment and aquatic life sustenance.
Synonyms
basicity, buffering capacity.
Examples of usage
- The alkalinity of the lake improved after the treatment.
- Hydroponic systems require careful monitoring of alkalinity.
- Too much alkalinity can harm fish species.
Translations
Translations of the word "alkalinity" in other languages:
๐ต๐น alcalinidade
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคทเคพเคฐเฅเคฏเคคเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Alkalitรคt
๐ฎ๐ฉ alkalinitas
๐บ๐ฆ ะปัะถะฝัััั
๐ต๐ฑ alkalicznoลฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ใขใซใซใชๆง
๐ซ๐ท alcalinitรฉ
๐ช๐ธ alcalinidad
๐น๐ท alkalinite
๐ฐ๐ท ์์นผ๋ฆฌ์ฑ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูููููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ alkalita
๐ธ๐ฐ alkalita
๐จ๐ณ ็ขฑๅบฆ
๐ธ๐ฎ alkalnost
๐ฎ๐ธ alkalรญ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะปััะปัะบ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ alkalinlik
๐ฒ๐ฝ alcalinidad
Etymology
The term 'alkalinity' originates from the Arabic word 'al-qali', which means 'the ashes of the saltwort plant'. This etymology reflects the historical context of the word, as saltwort ashes were used to produce alkaline materials. The English term began to be used in the early 19th century, correlating to chemistry's exploration of acid-base properties and the role of alkalis in neutralizing acids. As chemistry evolved, alkalinity became a critical concept in understanding water quality, mineral composition, and environmental science. Through various scientific studies, the understanding of alkalinity has expanded, leading to its importance in both natural ecosystems and human applications, such as agriculture and industry.