What chemicals are typically used to adjust the pH or alkalinity of wastewater?

The adjustment of pH or alkalinity in wastewater treatment is crucial for optimizing biological processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is commonly used as a strong base to raise pH levels, while Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3), also known as soda ash, can be used both to increase pH and to contribute to alkalinity. These two chemicals effectively modify the acidity of wastewater, helping to condition the water for further treatment processes.

Sodium Hydroxide is particularly effective because it dissociates completely in water, providing a rapid increase in the hydroxide ion concentration, which effectively raises the pH. Sodium Carbonate, while less caustic, also raises pH and buffers changes in acidity, making it valuable for maintaining stable conditions in treatment systems.

Other choices may contain useful components for wastewater treatment but are not primarily utilized for the specific purpose of pH or alkalinity adjustment in the same way as Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Carbonate.