Understanding the Concept of pH
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It stands for ‘potential of hydrogen’ and is a scale ranging from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic, while those with a pH above 7 are alkaline.
Examples of pH Values
- Lemon juice has a pH of around 2, making it highly acidic.
- Baking soda has a pH of around 9, making it alkaline.
Case Studies on pH
Researchers have found that maintaining the pH balance in aquatic environments is crucial for the survival of marine life. High levels of acidity, caused by pollution, can harm coral reefs and marine organisms.
Statistics on pH Levels
According to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, over 40% of lakes in the United States have pH levels that are too low, leading to ecosystem imbalances.
