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Mechanism of Hydrogen Ion Buffering in Natural Waters
Author(s) -
Weber Walter J.,
Stumm Werner
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.1963.tb01178.x
Subject(s) - alkalinity , principal (computer security) , interpretation (philosophy) , mechanism (biology) , natural (archaeology) , computer science , biochemical engineering , environmental science , chemistry , engineering , geology , paleontology , philosophy , epistemology , programming language , operating system
The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive, integrated concept of the nature and interplay of capacity factors of the principal buffer systems indigenous to freshwaters. Fundamental acid‐base equilibria pertinent to natural waters were examined in detail, with particular emphasis on a rigorous quantitative interpretation of the CO 2‐ HC0 3 ‐ ‐C0 3 ‐ system. A graphic method is presented of chemical equilibria. Conceptual and operational definitions of alkalinity and acidity, and some of the analytic implications of quantitative determinations of these parameters, are discussed. Finally, consideration was given to some of the practical processes that influence the pH and the pH buffer capacity of waters.