What is the Difference Between Phenolphthalein Alkalinity and Total Alkalinity?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between phenolphthalein alkalinity and total alkalinity lies in the pH level at which they are determined and the forms of alkalinity they measure.
- Phenolphthalein Alkalinity: This is determined by titration to a pH of 8.3 and indicates the total hydroxide and half of the carbonate present in the water sample. Phenolphthalein alkalinity measures the sum of all carbonate (CO3=), bicarbonate (HCO3–), and hydroxide (OH–) alkalinity above pH 8.3.
- Total Alkalinity: This is determined by titration to a pH of 5.1, 4.8, 4.5, or 3.7, depending on the amount of carbon dioxide present. Total alkalinity measures all carbonate-bicarbonate alkalinity and hydroxide alkalinity at a pH of 4.5. It includes the alkalinity due to bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide ions.
In summary:
- Phenolphthalein alkalinity measures the alkalinity in a water sample at a pH of 8.3, focusing on the total hydroxide and half of the carbonate present.
- Total alkalinity measures the alkalinity in a water sample at a pH of 4.5, accounting for all carbonate-bicarbonate alkalinity and hydroxide alkalinity.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Phenolphthalein Alkalinity and Total Alkalinity? Comparative Table: Phenolphthalein Alkalinity vs Total Alkalinity
Comparative Table: Phenolphthalein Alkalinity vs Total Alkalinity
The difference between phenolphthalein alkalinity and total alkalinity lies in the constituents they measure and the pH range at which they are measured. Here is a table summarizing the differences:
Parameter | Phenolphthalein Alkalinity | Total Alkalinity |
---|---|---|
Constituents | Measures hydroxides and half of the carbonates | Measures all carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides at a pH of 4.5 |
pH Range | Not specific, but usually measures alkalinity at a higher pH | Measures alkalinity at a pH of 4.5 |
Unit of Measurement | Not specific, but usually measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L CaCO3 (milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate) | Measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L CaCO3 (milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate) |
Purpose | Indicates the alkalinity in a water sample | Measures the water's ability to resist changes in pH |
In summary, phenolphthalein alkalinity measures the alkalinity in a water sample due to hydroxides and half of the carbonates, while total alkalinity measures all the carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxide alkalinity at a pH of 4.5. Total alkalinity is closely associated with pH and is a measure of water's resistance to changes in pH.
Read more:
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- Total Acidity vs Titratable Acidity
- Acidimetry vs Alkalimetry
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