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Re: mixing water -Reply
In a message dated 1/16/99 3:54:35 PM Mountain Standard Time,
graham@beermat.demon.co.uk writes:
> I didn't think the Na ions would effect the alkalinity. Wouldn't OH-
> ions be a primary ion in alkalinity?
Actually, carbonate (CO3, -2 valence) are the primary cause of alkalinity.
Phosphates also contribute. OH- exist in equilibrium to to H+ ions. As
carbonate ions react with the H+ ions from acids, they form CO2 and OH- ions,
and the associated positive ion, whether Ca, Mg, Na, K, etc will form a salt
with the other half of the introduced acid. The OH- ions then reestablish
their equilibrium by reacting with more H+ ions to form water. It is all this
utilization of H+ ions that causes the resistance to pH adjustments, reflected
in the "Bounce" after we lower it.
Bob Dixon
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