Potential Hydrogen (pH)

Potential hydrogen (pH) is measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with a scale ranging from 0 – 14, with pure water 7, which is considered neutral. Substances with a lower pH than 7 are considered acidic and substances with a higher pH than 7 are considered alkaline. In water, pH is an important factor which can have effects of the solubility of certain minerals and the growth of aquatic organisms. For example, some plantation and fish thrive in water with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5, while others may require a more acidic or alkaline environment. The pH of water can be affected by various factors, such as dissolved minerals, organic matter and pollutants. Human activities, including mining, agriculture and industrial processes, can also contribute to changes in the pH of water sources. Water treatment processes can be used in various ways to adjust the pH of water, with the aim of achieving a balance that is suitable for its intended use, such as drinking, irrigation or industrial processes.