As defined by Dictionary.com, "pH [in] chemistry [is] the symbol for the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration in gram atoms per liter, used to express the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a scale of 0 to 14, where less than 7 represents acidity, 7 neutrality, and more than 7 alkalinity." On the pH scale, 0 is the most acidic, and 14 is the most alkaline. Hydrochloric acid is pH0; vinegar is pH3; pure water is pH7; ammonia is pH 10; and lye is pH14. Lakes generally are +/- pH6 to pH8. A pH3 lake is toxic to all fish.
Instructions
Steps
1. Determine why the lake is extremely acidic. Correcting the pH might be wasted effort if nothing is done about the cause(s). If the lake, for instance, is a victim of acid rain or acid deposition from a near or distant coal-burning electric power generation plant or from the run-off from a strip mine, community action to fix the problem would be needed.
2. Calibrate the portable pH meter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, put a base with a known pH of 4 in a disposable plastic cup and take a first reading with the glass-tipped electrode. Rinse off the electrode with distilled water. Then put a base with a known pH of 7 in a disposable plastic cup and take a second reading, then rinse the electrode with distilled water. Calibrate the meter's pH scale by these two readings.
3. Raise the pH of the lake by adding a neutralizing base, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO2) or powdered limestone (CaCO3), by aerial application. This is a temporary measure. Long term, unpolluted water entering the lake via rain and streams will raise the pH reading.
4. Make a plan of action for the lake's recovery after the pH has been brought up to a desired level. Many factors in the ecology of a lake affect its pH, and too much or too little of a factor---such as photosynthesis on the one hand and respiration and decomposition on the other---can have an adverse effect on a lake's buffering ability to withstand pH variations.
5. Monitor the lake's pH periodically as you implement the rest of the lake recovery plan.
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