Alkalinity

• Def: the ability of a body of water to resist changes in pH

• Acts as a buffer against acids and thus lower pHs

  • “Tums”

• Chemically measured as carbon dioxide, bicarbonates, and carbonate

• Low alkalinity = limited ability to neutralize acids

• Caddo Lake (East Texas in general) has a naturally low alkalinity

  • rule of thumb = minimum alkalinity should be greater than 20 mg/l

• Application – acid deposition and input at Caddo Lake will continue to lower the pH of the water

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