What is the function of bases in a treatment plant?

What is the function of bases in a treatment plant?

• A. lower the pH
• B. raise the pH
• C. accelerate chemical reactions
• D. slow chemical reactions

Answer: (B)

Bases in a water treatment plant are used to raise the pH. pH measures how acidic or basic the water is, and bases work by neutralizing acids and supplying hydroxide ions (OH−). When OH− meets hydrogen ions (H+), they form water, reducing acidity and increasing the pH. This rise in pH helps protect pipes from corrosion, supports certain treatment steps like lime softening and metal precipitation, and can optimize disinfection conditions within the treated water. Lowering pH is done with acids, not bases, so that isn’t the role of bases. Bases don’t serve as a general tool to speed up or slow down all chemical reactions; their main purpose in this context is to adjust pH upward to the desired range.

Bases in a water treatment plant are used to raise the pH. pH measures how acidic or basic the water is, and bases work by neutralizing acids and supplying hydroxide ions (OH−). When OH− meets hydrogen ions (H+), they form water, reducing acidity and increasing the pH. This rise in pH helps protect pipes from corrosion, supports certain treatment steps like lime softening and metal precipitation, and can optimize disinfection conditions within the treated water.

Lowering pH is done with acids, not bases, so that isn’t the role of bases. Bases don’t serve as a general tool to speed up or slow down all chemical reactions; their main purpose in this context is to adjust pH upward to the desired range.