Which chemical is commonly used to raise pH in water treatment?

Which chemical is commonly used to raise pH in water treatment?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate
• B. Lime
• C. Chlorine
• D. Alum

Answer: (B)

Lime is commonly used to raise pH in water treatment because it is an alkaline substance that reacts with water to produce hydroxide ions, effectively increasing the pH level. This adjustment is crucial in various water treatment processes, as maintaining an appropriate pH level can enhance the performance of coagulation, disinfection, and corrosion control. Lime can exist in different forms, such as quicklime (calcium oxide) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), both of which are effective in neutralizing acidity in water. Sodium bicarbonate is typically used to moderate pH rather than raise it significantly. Chlorine is primarily used as a disinfectant and does not influence pH levels directly. Alum, or aluminum sulfate, is utilized mainly for coagulation in water treatment processes and can lower pH due to its acidic nature when dissolved in water. Therefore, lime stands out as the primary chemical for effectively raising pH in water treatment applications.

Lime is commonly used to raise pH in water treatment because it is an alkaline substance that reacts with water to produce hydroxide ions, effectively increasing the pH level. This adjustment is crucial in various water treatment processes, as maintaining an appropriate pH level can enhance the performance of coagulation, disinfection, and corrosion control. Lime can exist in different forms, such as quicklime (calcium oxide) and hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), both of which are effective in neutralizing acidity in water.

Sodium bicarbonate is typically used to moderate pH rather than raise it significantly. Chlorine is primarily used as a disinfectant and does not influence pH levels directly. Alum, or aluminum sulfate, is utilized mainly for coagulation in water treatment processes and can lower pH due to its acidic nature when dissolved in water. Therefore, lime stands out as the primary chemical for effectively raising pH in water treatment applications.