Alkalinity

Definition of Alkalinity: Capacity of natural water to neutralize acid (proton-accepting capacity). This is the common definition for Alkalinity, other definitions can be discussed in the article

Notes

Alkalinity is measured by titration of a water sample with a dilute acid to a specific pH endpoint. Most often, alkalinity is a function of carbonate (CO₃^2–), hydrogencarbonate (HCO₃^–), and hydroxide (OH^–) concentrations, i.e., the carbonate-hydrogencarbonate buffering of the water. However, dissolved organic compounds, borates, phosphates, and silicates can also contribute to alkalinity.