The Equilibrium Reaction
The pH of water in equilibrium with the atmosphere is around 5.6. This value is determined by the dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into the water, which forms carbonic acid (H2CO3) and subsequently dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen (H+) ions. The equilibrium reaction can be written as:
CO2(g) + H2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3-
The pH is calculated using the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which can be obtained from the equilibrium constant (Ka) and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (PCO2). The Ka for the first dissociation of carbonic acid is 4.45 x 10-7.
Factors Affecting the pH
Atmospheric CO2 Concentration
The pH of water in equilibrium with the atmosphere is slightly acidic due to the presence of dissolved CO2. This natural acidity can be influenced by human activities that increase the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, such as burning fossil fuels. An increase in atmospheric CO2 can lead to a decrease in the pH of rainwater, a phenomenon known as acid rain.
Alkaline Substances
To balance the pH of water in equilibrium with the atmosphere, one can add alkaline substances that neutralize the acidity. For example, adding baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) or washing soda (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3) can increase the pH of the water. However, it is important to note that changing the pH of natural water bodies should be done with caution, as it can have unintended consequences on the organisms living in those ecosystems.
Acidic Pollutants
Contaminants that can affect the pH of water in equilibrium with the atmosphere include acidic pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can come from industrial processes and vehicle emissions. These pollutants can react with water and air to form acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3), which can lower the pH of rainwater and impact aquatic ecosystems.
Addressing Contaminants
Regulations and Standards
To deal with these contaminants, regulations and standards have been established to limit the amount of pollutants that can be released into the atmosphere. These measures aim to reduce the impact of acidic pollutants on the pH of water in equilibrium with the atmosphere.
Emission Control Technologies
Additionally, technologies such as scrubbers and filters can be used to remove pollutants from industrial emissions. These technologies help to reduce the amount of acidic compounds that can enter the atmosphere and subsequently affect the pH of water.
Conclusion
In summary, the pH of water in equilibrium with the atmosphere is around 5.6 and is determined by the dissolution of CO2 from the atmosphere. Human activities that increase the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere can lead to a decrease in the pH of rainwater, while acidic pollutants can also lower the pH of natural water bodies. To balance the pH, one can add alkaline substances, but it is important to do so with caution. Regulations and technologies can help to reduce the impact of pollutants on the pH of water.
References:
- Chegg.com, Water is in equilibrium with the atmosphere at pH of 6.5. If the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 10-3.5 atm.
- paos.colorado.edu, Problem set 6: Carbon Dioxide and the pH of Rainwater.
- csus.edu, Second Homework Problems – Solutions Ch. 4: 25. Calculate the pH of rainwater that is in equilibrium with air that has an SO2 concentration of 2 ppm.
- personal.ems.psu.edu, Aqueous phase chemistry.