emäksellisyyttä

Emäksisyys, often translated as alkalinity, is a measure of the capacity of a solution to neutralize acids. It is not a direct measure of a specific substance but rather a property that indicates the presence of bases. In simpler terms, it is the ability of water or another solution to resist a decrease in pH when an acid is added. This resistance is primarily due to the presence of dissolved substances, typically bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides.

The common ions that contribute to alkalinity are bicarbonate (HCO3-), carbonate (CO32-), and hydroxide (OH-). Other substances like borates, silicates, and phosphates can also contribute, though usually to a lesser extent. The total alkalinity of a solution is the sum of the concentrations of these bases, expressed in terms of an equivalent amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Alkalinity plays a crucial role in various natural and industrial processes. In aquatic environments, it acts as a buffer, preventing rapid and drastic changes in pH that could be harmful to aquatic life. Lakes and rivers with higher alkalinity are more stable in terms of pH. In industrial applications, alkalinity is important in water treatment, boiler water management, and chemical manufacturing. High alkalinity can sometimes lead to scaling in pipes and equipment. Measuring alkalinity is typically done through titration, where a standard acid solution is added until the solution becomes neutral.