Alkalinity can be defined as the ability of a water to neutralize acid or to absorb hydrogen ions. In municipal and industrial wastewater, many factors contribute to alkalinity such as the type of dissolved inorganic and organic compounds present in the water, the amount of suspended organic matter in the water, the presence or absence of free hydroxide alkalinity, the amount of bicarbonate in the water, or the bicarbonate to dissolved CO2 ratio etc.
The ability to strongly buffer wastewater within a desired pH range as it undergoes treatment is crucial to maintaining optimal conditions for microbiological activity and reliable wastewater treatment performance. Alkalinity is what provides strong pH buffering, which is why it is so important for the wastewater treatment industry.
ALKA-Mag+ (60% Mg(OH)2) has a higher neutralizing value per pound than any other alkaline additive. This translates into a 40% reduction in chemical usage when compared with caustic soda, while being significantly safer for operators to handle and more nutritive for the microorganisms being maintained – making it the most cost-effective option.
* In 2022, AMALGAM-60 was renamed ALKA-Mag+, improved stability, flowability, and reactivity from IER & Calix’s synergy.
Enquire nowWhen an alkaline compound dissolves in water it produces hydroxide ions, OH–. These ions are responsible for the alkalinity of the solution.
Because magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) provides two hydroxides for alkalinity compared to one with NaOH (caustic soda), the usage rate for Mg(OH)2 is much less than that required for NaOH.
While ALKA-Mag+ is typically more expensive then 50% NaOH on a “price per unit” basis, it is significantly less expensive in use – because every 1.0 lb of 50% NaOH can be replaced by 0.6 lbs of 60% Mg(OH)2 to provide the same number of moles of hydroxide (OH–) for pH neutralization.
Unlike caustic soda, ALKA-Mag+ is non-hazardous and non-corrosive, which makes it easier and safer to handle. Spills are not reportable.
Because magnesium is a macronutrient – it is the core element of chlorophyll (makes leaves green!) – it is also beneficial to the environment, while sodium from caustic soda is a salinity hazard.
Magnesium also has coagulation properties that sodium does not. This can result in reduced sludge volume and reduced sludge hauling fees.
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