Water Chemistry – Impurities & Analysis

The chapter is a literature review of the water chemistry that includes impurities, water quality parameters and analysis techniques. Salts, metals, organic substances and microbial contaminants that have an influence on the utility of water in consumption, industrial processes and chemical processes are dissolved in water, which is a critical element in the life cycle and industrial processes. The chapter defines categories of impurities, such as ions that cause hardness (Ca²⁺,  Mg²⁺), alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, and fluctuations in pH and how they affect industrial processes, boilers, cooling systems and household usage. Titration of hardness, spectrophotometry of trace metals and pH are used to determine water quality and are outlined in detail. There is industrial relevance, and effects of water impurities on scaling, corrosion, efficiency and quality of products are highlighted. Monitoring and control strategies of water quality are incorporated with the concepts in theory to illustrate the practical applications in chemical, pharmaceutical, power and food industries. Through the integration of chemical analysis, process knowledge and practice, students learn about the science of water chemistry, water quality evaluation, and problem solving in industrial practice, which prepares them to work in the environmental science, water treatment, chemical industry, and in fields related to human health.