2.3: Stoichiometry
Atomic weight mass of the atom measured in atomic mass units (amu) Atomic
Water chemistry is important in the design of water and wastewater processes and in
the remediation of environmental pollution.Alkalinity chemistry natural
alkalinity in the environment maintains the waters of the world at a near neutral
pH. It prevents many contaminants from dissolving into the water. This balance
protect water sources, used in treatment of water to render it potable or more
aesthetically acceptable for consumption or to treat waste streams for discharge.
Water treatment - add chemicals to react with impurities to remove them
(precipitation) or render them harmless (oxidation, redox reaction). We must know
chemical doses, chemical type, reaction kinetics (rate of reaction [to determine
reactor size]), phase transfer from water to air (for volatile contaminants in
water)
1. Mass density, rho - mass per unit volume (kg/m3). Dissolved impurities change
the density in direct proportion to their concentration and their own density.
Common to ignore for low concentration impurities but not high concentration
(thickened sludge or commercial liquid chemicals)
2. Specific weight, Y - weight (force) per unit volume (kN/m3).
Particle counting - counts the number of particles in a water sample and reports
the results by particle size, generally from 1 to 30mm. A technique used to
evaluate water quality.
Equivalent weight (EW) - molecular weight divided by the number (n) of electrons
transferred in redox reactions or the number of protons (H+) transferred in
acid/base reactions.In a precipitation reaction, n is the valence of the element.
For compounds, n is equal to the number of hydrogen ions that would be required to
replace the cation.Eg. 2 H+ are needed to replace the calcium in CaCO3, therefore,
n = 2.
N = Mn
Chemical Reactions
Most chemical reactions are to some extent reversible. They reach equilibrium when
the rates of reaction are the same for both directions (products are being formed
on the right at the same rate as they are being formed on the left)
aA + bB <-> cC + dD
All complexes are soluble in water to a certain extent. Likewise, all complexes are
limited by how much can be dissolved in water.
Interestingly, the product of the activity of the ions is always a constant for a
given compound at a given temperature. That constant is called the solubility
constant, Ks.
Acid/Base ReactionsAcids are defined as those compounds that release protons. Bases
are those compounds that accept protons.
HA <-> H+ + A-
In order for HA to release the proton (H+) , something must accept theproton. Often
that something is water, that is,
In the above reaction the base (B-) accepts a proton from water. If a compound is a
stronger acid than water, then water will act as a base. If a compound is a
stronger base than water, then water will act as an acid.
Acid/base chemistry centres on water and it is important to know how strong an acid
water is.
Water itself is ionized in water
The degree of ionization of water is very small and can be measured by what is
called the ion product of water, Kw It is found by
neutral if [H+] = [OH-] = 10-7M, pH = 7basic if [H+] < [OH-], H+ < 10-7M, pH > 7
Acids are classified as strong acids or weak acids. Strong acids have a tendency to
donate their protons to water. For example,
Weak acids are acids that do not completely dissociate in water. An equilibrium
exists between the dissociated ions and undissociated compound. The reaction of a
weak acid is
HW <-> H+ + W-
Ka = [H+][W]/[HW]
pKa = -log Ka
x pH = pKa (that is [H+] = Ka), then [HW] = [W] and the acid is 50% dissociated.
x [H+] is 2 orders of magnitude (100 times) < Ka, then 100 [H+] = Ka (or pH >>
pK).100[H+]=[H+][W]/[HW] or 100 [HW] = [W]. All acid is dissociated (W >>HW).
Buffer Solutions
A solution that resists large changes in pH when an acid or base is added or when
the solution is diluted is called a buffer solution.
The most important buffer system in environment and water and wastewater treatment
is the carbonate buffer system.
Reaction Kinetics
Homogeneous reactions -Reactions that take place in a single phase (liquid, gas, or
solid)
order of reaction - the sum of the exponents in the reaction rate equation. (my be
either integers or fractions)