The capability of water to resist changes in pH is called what?

The capability of water to resist changes in pH is referred to as buffering capacity. This term describes the water's ability to maintain a stable pH level despite the addition of acids or bases. Buffers are typically composed of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, which work together to neutralize excess hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions that might otherwise cause significant shifts in pH.

While alkalinity is related to the capacity of water to neutralize acids, it specifically refers to the concentration of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide ions in the water. Acidity, on the other hand, measures the amount of acid present in a solution, typically related to the concentration of hydrogen ions. Conductivity measures the ability of water to conduct an electric current, which is influenced by the presence of dissolved ions but does not directly relate to pH stability.

Understanding buffering capacity is crucial for managing water quality in both natural and treatment systems, as significant fluctuations in pH can adversely affect aquatic life and the effectiveness of water treatment processes.