Buffering (Bicarbonate Buffer)
Definition
The resistance to abrupt pH change provided by bicarbonate, which can absorb added hydrogen or donate hydrogen depending on which way the system is pushed.
Bicarbonate sits in the middle of the carbonate system: it can accept hydrogen and become carbonic acid, or donate hydrogen and become carbonate. That dual role lets it absorb part of an acid disturbance and part of a base disturbance, holding natural waters in a stable range around pH 6 to 8. The carbonate system is the dominant buffer in natural waters and determines how long chemical disturbances persist before the system overwhelms it.
Related concepts
Carbonate Equilibrium · Natural Water Stability · pH (Lever)
How it connects
- this buffers pH
- Carbonate Equilibrium enables this
- Alkalinity enables this
Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry