What is pH?
The term "pH" refers to the activity of hydrogen ions in a solution.
The logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion activity in a given solution is the technical definition of pH. So, you're probably wondering, "What does that even mean?"
When we look at what pH stands for, we can see that it is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a solution is. When we take a sample of treatment influent or effluent and measure the pH, we're really measuring the balance of acid and base in that water.
The basic fundamentals of pH
· The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.
· The activity of free hydrogen (H+, acid) and hydroxyl (OH-, base) ions in a solution is measured by pH.
· pH 7.0 is considered neutral or balanced because it contains the same amount of acid and base ions.
· A pH of less than 7.0 is considered acidic.
· A pH of more than 7.0 is considered alkaline (or basic).
· The term pH is frequently used to describe the activity of the hydrogen ion. An ion is a positively charged atom or molecule. A hydrogen atom is made up of one proton and one electron and it easily donates (or shares) its electron. Because an atom of hydrogen can easily share its electron with other elements, hydrogen can form ionic bonds with atoms of other elements.
Why is pH important in sewage treatment?
Bacteria and other organisms that actively participate in wastewater treatment perform best at pH levels ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (7 to 8).
To keep these optimal pH conditions for biological activity, there must be enough alkalinity in the wastewater to neutralize acids produced by active biomass during waste treatment, particularly nitrification. The ability to maintain the proper pH in the wastewater as it is treated is why alkalinity is so critical to the wastewater process.
What will happen if all alkalinity is consumed in the process?
If all of the alkalinity in the wastewater process is consumed, an alkaline solution such as caustic soda or magnesium hydroxide can be added to keep the system pH from 7-8 as the denitrifying bacteria produce acid, but this increases the system's cost and complexity.
The determination of pH is critical in the wastewater treatment process. Extreme levels, the presence of particulate matter, toxic chemical accumulation, and increasing alkalinity levels are all common problems in wastewater.
pH has a direct influence on wastewater treatability because it is a chemical component of the wastewater – regardless of whether the treatment is physical/chemical or biological. Because it is such an important component of the wastewater's composition, it is critical to treatment. Before you can begin treatment, you must first identify the parameters, or impurities, in the wastewater.
Once you know what you're dealing with, you can determine the starting and ending pH values, as well as treatment procedures; then you can choose the best chemicals for treatment.Chemicals used to adjust the pH of wastewater serve to change the ionic charge of the wastewater.
The following basic or alkaline chemicals are used to raise the pH of wastewater:
· Because of their availability, low cost, and high capacity, CaO (calcium oxide or lime), MgO (magnesium oxide), and Ca (OH) (calcium hydroxide, a hydrated form of lime) are the most commonly used chemicals. Sludge bulk (volume) is a significant issue, but recovery is possible. Lime is typically high in calcium and is available as quicklime or hydrated. It is sold dry and must be mixed with water to form a slurry before use.
· Sodium hypochlorite (caustic soda), Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a cost-effective, controllable, and widely available chemical. It is typically used for small or infrequent applications, or when limiting sludge deposits is desired.
· Caustic soda is available in liquid form in two concentrations: 50 percent NaOH, which begins to crystallize at 54 degrees Fahrenheit, and 100 percent NaOH, which begins to crystallize at 100 degrees Fahrenheit (12 C). As a result, it must be properly stored or diluted before use.
· Also available is 25% NaOH, which begins to crystallize well below freezing temperature. Caustic soda is also available at 100 percent concentration in anhydrous or dry form (solid, flake, ground, or powdered). Significant heat is generated during the dilution process. As a result, the rate of dilution and cooling method must be carefully controlled to avoid boiling or splattering.
Considering all these factors, we can conclude that pH maintenance is an important parameter in waste water.
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