neutraliser

Neutraliser, or neutralizer, is a term used to describe a substance or device whose function is to render another substance chemically nonreactive or less reactive. The concept spans chemistry, environmental engineering, medicine, and safety. In chemistry, a neutraliser is typically an acid or base that reacts with the opposite species to form a salt and water, raising or lowering pH toward neutrality. Common examples include sodium bicarbonate for acidic solutions and calcium carbonate or lime for acidic waters. The general equation is acid plus base yields salt plus water.

In environmental and industrial contexts, neutralisers are used to treat acidic waste streams, adjust process pH, and enable further treatment. In mining and flue gas handling, lime or alkaline slurries neutralize acidic drainage or acid gases, reducing corrosion and metal leaching.

In safety and decontamination, neutralisers are used to render hazardous acids, alkalis, or oxidizing agents less harmful, typically as part of spill response protocols and wastewater treatment. Proper handling, disposal, and regulatory compliance are essential.

In biology and medicine, neutralising agents, including neutralising antibodies, block the activity of pathogens or toxins. Neutralising antibodies are a key component of immune protection and of vaccine design, working by binding to viral or toxin targets to prevent interaction with host cells.

Synonyms include neutralisator (British English) and neutralizer. See also pH adjustment, decontamination, and toxin neutralization.