What could cause the low pH of river water. (no rain)(power plant upstream). Does water flow relate to it?

Question

What could cause the low pH of river water. (no rain)(power plant upstream). Does water flow relate to it?

Answer 1

Yes, water flow will relate to this, read on. First of all, think of the gases in the air - CO2, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides - all of these will form acids with water and lower the pH of water. The more turbulent the flow of water is, the more water molecules are exposed to the air and thus the more gas will dissolve in water. Think of it this way - will more CO2 dissolve in a glass of water when you put a straw to the bottom and blow, or when you just blow at the water meniskus from above?

Answer 2

What kind of soil does it run through?

Lime, peat, ?

If the power plant is using water for cooling or steam generation is it treating it with anything, like de-scalers or water softeners?

There are quite a few possible causes. But if the plant is using acids to clean boiler scale or if the river is running over acidic rocks or through swampy ground those might be sources of acidity.



If the water levels are low the plant might be using a much higher proportion of the water in the river. It is also possible for the acidity levels to be higher if it is taking more of its water out of swampy ground. These could be affected by flow rates because of lower dilution effects.



Are there any other sources of acidic inputs like run off from livestock yards, septic overflows etc?

It is easy to point a finger at the plant, but hard to demonstrate it.

What is the pH upstream of the plant at their intake and below the plant at their outflow?

That might give you an idea if they are a source or not.

Answer 3

They could be dumping untreated boiler water into the stream,if you add lime to raise the PH in the boilers,it will form a layer of scale in the boiler that can't be removed without sandblasting.Decaying wood and leaves sometimes does it as well but not as severe,and not much of a drop.You need to report it to the state EPA department or DNR as this is a form of pollution and the states enforce the Federal Clean water Act of 1971.Water flow will vary the concentration and nothing more.

Answer 4

I have been given THIS ONE!!!!!! replaced into there steep banks on the two factors of the upstreem?... if so that's my concept..... The Roman aquaducts flowed uphill!!! only via a "syphoning" action. If the circulate is flowing particularly rapid and as long because of the fact the "improve" isn't bigger than the mountain its flowing from the water might have sufficient stress to circulate uphill some procedures..... yet i think of the component banks of the improve might ought to be particularly steep to maintain the water channel whilst it went up till it would desire to ultimately go down lower back and definitely inflicting a vacum that facilitates this finished technique happen.... water sticks to water many factors getting into stability on the appropriate time. :) or the wind replaced into only blowing the water interior the oposite way of the surely circulate so it only gave the impression to be moving upstream. CROWN ME toddler!

Answer 5

Water flow does have no relationship to the low pH of river water!!!!

Answer 6

Low water levels will definitly contribute to low ph.A power plant, maybe. Regulations a so strict these days that if they were dumping any amount of acid the fines, if they were caught would be out of sight.But it would be worth checking into.Make sure you know what your doing when you take the samples so to get accurate test results.