Impact of Temperature and PH of Water On Pollution
Impact of Temperature and PH of Water On Pollution
Impact of Temperature and PH of Water On Pollution
Allowable temperature of water must be 40 0C or less. Some factors that are being effected by
water temperature are:
The pH of pure water varies with temperature while remaining perfectly neutral. Pure
water only has a pH of 7.0 at 25 degrees Celsius.
However, that does not mean that temperature changes will make a solution more acidic
or basic. Because the ratio of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions remains the same, the acidity
of water does not change with temperature. Instead, the entire pH range shifts, so that
neutral water will have a value other than 7. Pure water will remain neutral at 0C (pH is
7.47), 25C. (pH is 7.00) or 100C. (pH is 6.14).
Sunlight:
The greatest source of heat transfer to water temperature is from sunlight. Sunlight, or
solar radiation, is a form of thermal energy. This energy is then transferred to a waters
surface as heat, increasing the temperature of the water.
Turbidity:
Increased turbidity will also increase water temperature. Turbidity is the amount of
suspended solids in water. These suspended particles absorb heat from solar radiation
more efficiently than water. The heat is then transferred from the particles to water
molecules, increasing the temperature of the surrounding water.
Man-made Influences:
Man-made influences on water temperature include thermal pollution, runoff,
deforestation and impoundments etc.
Thermal Pollution:
Thermal pollution is any discharge that will dramatically alter the temperature of a natural water
source 48. This pollution commonly comes from municipal or industrial effluents 1. If the
temperature of discharge is significantly warmer than the natural water, it can negatively affect
water quality. There are several significant consequences of thermal pollution, including
diminished dissolved oxygen levels, fish kills and influxes of invasive species
Runoff from parking lots and other impervious surfaces are another form of thermal pollution.
Water that flows off of these surfaces absorb much of their heat and transfer it to a nearby stream
or river, elevating the temperature.
Deforestation:
Water that is shaded by vegetation and other objects will not absorb as much heat as sunlit water.
When trees or riparian canopies are removed, a body of water can become unusually warm,
altering its natural cycle and habitats.
Impoundments:
Impoundments such as dams can drastically affect water temperature cycles. While a dam does
not directly contribute heat to the water, it can affect the natural patterns of water temperature
warming and cooling
As pH levels move away from this range (up or down) it can stress animal systems and
reduce hatching and survival rates.In addition to biological effects, extreme pH levels
usually increase the solubility of elements and compounds, making toxic chemicals more
mobile and increasing the risk of absorption by aquatic life