Definition of Term

alkalinity

(English) The acid-neutralising capacity of carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides in water. Total alkalinity is the total concentration of bases in water, expressed as mg/l of CaCO³. Determination of alkalinity is carried out by titration to two end points: first, by titrating with standard acid to a phenolphthalein endpoint, and second by titration to a methyl orange endpoint. The total amount of acid used in the titration, expressed as equivalent CaCO3, represents the total alkalinity. The amount of acid required to titrate to the phenolphthalein endpoint (ph 8.3), expressed as equivalent CaCO3, is the phenolphthalein alkalinity. (See also: pH, alkalosis)

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