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Stability
More alkalinity is necessary to create a stable water environment with a neutral pH balance, according to the University of Rhode Island. When water contains a higher alkalinity level it means that the water is able to neutralize more acidic compounds, such as algae, in order to maintain a more suitable living environment for aquatic animals and plants. Lower levels of alkalinity, however, cause acid to build up in a water environment, thereby skewing the pH balance towards a more acidic level, which inspires the growth of algae.
Control
The amount of alkalinity found in a body of water can be controlled by certain environmental factors. For instance, alkalinity is affected by soil, minerals, rocks and plants. Limestone is an example of a mineral rock that can help increase the alkalinity of water to get rid of algae growth. This is because limestone consists of calcium carbonate, which helps produce alkalinity. In turn, acidic buildup in a pool or pond will decrease with the presence of calcium carbonate or limestone. To come up with a balance for a particular aquatic environment, assess the type of geological elements that are present in and around the water.
Acidity
Acidity makes a comfy home for algae to grow in because it gives the water a lower pH balance. Algae, in turn, grows as a result of photosynthesis and relies on the acidic minerals in the aquatic environment for the photosynthesis process. Acid rain can help the growth of algae, since acid rain has a more acidic pH balance. However, according to the University of Southern California, not all types of algae are susceptible to growth from acid rain.
Measuring Alkalinity
You can measure alkalinity by taking a water sample. Technically, alkalinity is measured based on the amount of acid that is needed to bring a water sample's pH up to a 4.2 on the pH scale. After the water sample is collected and placed in a test tube, sulfuric acid is dropped into the sample and the pH balance is tested to see how much of the acid was necessary to bring up the pH level. If it takes more drops to bring up the pH level of the water to 4.2, then that means there is a higher level of alkalinity in the water.