What is the process of adding CO2 to water called?

The process of adding carbon dioxide (CO2) to water is known as recarbonation. This process often occurs in water treatment systems to adjust the pH level of water and enhance its buffering capacity. The introduction of CO2 helps to form carbonic acid, which can lower the pH of the water, making it less alkaline and more balanced, which is particularly important for drinking water quality.

In water treatment, recarbonation is frequently utilized to counteract the pH increase that can occur when water is treated with lime or other alkalizing agents. This allows the water to achieve a more desirable chemical composition that is safe for consumption and more suitable for distribution in a municipal water system.

On the other hand, ozonation refers to the process of adding ozone (O3) to water for the purpose of disinfection and removing organic materials, chlorination involves adding chlorine to disinfect water and eliminate harmful microorganisms, while fluoridation is the addition of fluoride compounds to water to help improve dental health. Each of these processes serves a specific purpose in water treatment and is distinct from the adjustment of CO2 through recarbonation.