Alkalinity

Alkalinity is a measure of the acid netralizing capacity of a solution.

This netralizing capacity is equal to the stoichiometric sum of the bases in solution. In the natural environment carbonate alkalinty tends to make up most of the total alkalinity due to the common occurance and dissolution of carbonate rocks and presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Other common natural components that make up alkalinity include borate, hydroxide, phosphate, silicate, nitrate, and sulphide. Solutions produced in a labratory may contain a virtual limitless number of bases that contribute to alkalinity.