Neutralizing pH

[sciguy1216]

I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a chemical that could neutralize pH. I can't test the pH before changing it so it needs to be able to raise OR lower pH.

Thanks,
sciguy

[P-man]

What are you trying to neutralize the pH of? If the original pH is higher than 7, than use an acid, and if its lower, use a base. Bases neutralize acids and vice-versa.

[CraigD]

Originally Posted by sciguy1216

I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a chemical that could neutralize pH. I can't test the pH before changing it so it needs to be able to raise OR lower pH.

Vinegar (containing C4H4O2, solution PH typically 2 - 3) and baking soda (NaHCO3, PH typically 8.1 – 8.6) are traditional, readily available, and cheap.

It’s often handy to increase PH (decrease acidity) with “buffering” agents, such as solid wood or charcoal washed in the solution. This can limit acidity (low PH) without producing excessive alkalinity (high PH), and doesn’t require PH to be measured first.

[sciguy1216]

The problem is that I can't test the pH before I neutralize it. I don't know weather it is acidic or basic. I also don't know what I am going to be neutralizing all I know is that it is water with either an acid or a base added to it.

[Jay-qu]

use a buffer - buffers contain both acid and base and can maintain a pH at a neutral (or near neutral) level

The blood in our body contains such chemicals

[sciguy1216]

I tried both wood and charcoal with no effect. Know of any other buffers?

[Jay-qu]

Originally Posted by sciguy1216

I tried both wood and charcoal with no effect. Know of any other buffers?

Here is a list of common buffers

http://www.science.smith.edu/departm...n_Buffers.html

[Michaelangelica]

Originally Posted by CraigD

It’s often handy to increase PH (decrease acidity) with “buffering” agents, such as solid wood or charcoal washed in the solution. This can limit acidity (low PH) without producing excessive alkalinity (high PH), and doesn’t require PH to be measured first.

Does this apply to soil?
See thread on Terra preta soils.
Michael

[P-man]

Well I guess so. I know in the East Coast (Canada) they have highly acidic soil.

[Michaelangelica]

Craig Just re-posted your comment on charchol to the Terra preta thread (my hobbyhourse)
hope that is OK