Base

Deutsch: Basis / Español: Base / Português: Base / Français: Base / Italiano: Base /

A Base is a solution that has a pH value greater than 7.

Description

Base in the Environment context refers to a substance with a pH greater than 7, which can neutralize acids. Bases can be natural, such as limestone and seawater, or synthetic, such as sodium hydroxide and ammonia. They play a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance of ecosystems, influencing soil fertility, and regulating water quality. Bases can also react with acids to form salts and water through a process called neutralization. In addition to their chemical properties, bases can have significant impacts on the environment, both positive and negative.

Application Areas

Treatment and Risks

  • Exposure to strong bases can cause burns and tissue damage
  • Acid-base balance disruption in aquatic ecosystems can harm aquatic life
  • Proper handling and disposal of bases are crucial to prevent environmental contamination

Examples

  • Lime (calcium hydroxide) used in soil stabilization
  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) used in water treatment

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

  • Alkaline
  • Basic
  • Neutralizer

Articles with 'Base' in the title

  • Base cations: Base cations are positively charged ions such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium that increase pH of water (make it less acidic) when released to solution through mineral weathering and exchange reactions

Weblinks

Summary

Base plays a vital role in the environment by regulating pH levels, neutralizing acids, and influencing various ecological processes. However, improper handling of bases can lead to negative environmental impacts, such as contamination and harm to living organisms. Understanding the properties and applications of bases is essential for sustainable environmental management.

--

Related Articles

Acid Neutralizing Capacity ■■■■■■■■■■
An Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) is a measure of the ability for water or soil to neutralize added . . . Read More
Hydroxide ■■■■■■■■■■
Hydroxide in the environment context refers to a negatively charged ion (OH⁻) or any compound containing . . . Read More
Impurity ■■■■■■■■■■
In the environmental context, "impurity" refers to any substance that is undesired or harmful within . . . Read More
Alkaline at top500.de■■■■■■■■■■
An Alkaline is a solution having a pH of more than 7. Alkalinity is the name given to the quantitative . . . Read More
Calcium carbonate ■■■■■■■■■■
Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO₃. It is a common substance found in . . . Read More
Concentration at top500.de■■■■■■■■■
In chemistry, concentration is the abundance of a constituent divided by the total volume of a mixture. . . . Read More
Ammonia ■■■■■■■■■
Ammonia in the environmental context refers to a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. . . . Read More
Quality ■■■■■■■■■
Quality is the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability . . . Read More
Carcass ■■■■■■■■■
Carcass in the environmental context refers to the remains of a dead animal. Carcasses play a crucial . . . Read More
Soda ■■■■■■■■■
In the environmental context, "soda" typically refers to sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), a chemical compound . . . Read More