When talking about pH, the first thing that usually comes into your mind is the level of acidity a liquid has. These levels can range from 0 to 14, with level 7 being neutral. If the pH value is lower than 7, that means the liquid is more acidic.
Whereas pH levels with a value of 7 or higher mean it is a base form of liquid. But have you ever thought of the importance of pH in a person’s health? It is a vital component in controlling the availability of biological functions, microbial activity, nutrients, and certain chemicals’ behavior.
Scientists usually have tools like the ph meter to conduct numerous tests on water, food, soil, and other beverage products to determine or control the pH levels, which have a wide range of applications.
Water Treatment
Everyone needs to have clean drinking water, and one way of doing that is through a water treatment process. Most of the time, people can provide themselves clean water at their homes because of their water filtration system.
There are also water treatment plants that clean the water before it is distributed so that people do not have to worry about contaminated water. The pH levels of drinking water should be at least 6.5 and 8. 5 to ensure that it is safe to ingest.
However, low pH levels within the water can wear out pipes over time, causing the metals to turn into toxic chemicals and make their way throughout the water pipes. Toxic chemicals, including lead and copper, should not be present in any drinking water.
Swimming Pool Water
When you step into a swimming pool, you may notice a distinct taste once the water goes into your mouth. Every swimming pool is mixed with chlorine to fight and kill harmful viruses and bacteria.
Parents need not worry because the chlorine disinfectant mostly used to clean swimming pools have a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. If you start experiencing eye irritation when taking a dip in the pool, that means that the water’s pH levels are too low. It can corrode metal or plaster surfaces within the pool.
Gardening and Agriculture
As mentioned before, plants are living things that also need the right amount of pH to grow healthy. The best way for plants to get their needed nutrients is to have pH levels of 6.0 to 7.0, the neutral level. However, you can find other plants that need to have pH levels lower than 6.0 to grow, including hyacinth or blueberries.
Food Industry
The food you eat is always tested before it is packaged and distributed to everyone. The pH levels are usually measured with a ph meter to check for microbial activities, inspect the taste and quality, and other properties.
It also helps food manufacturers determine each manufactured food’s expiry date to let consumers know when it is safe to eat. Most foods that are stored in cans need to have acidic levels of 4.6 or less to preserve and prolong their shelf life. pH levels greater than 4.6 can cause the food to grow bacterial spores, which spoils the food.
Whether it is food that you ingest or plants that you grow, the correct pH level is critical to keep things balanced and eliminate harmful effects. You have the scientists and researchers to thank because of how precise they can determine pH levels on a particular soil, plant, or drink.
