Orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, metaphosphates, and other polyphosphates and organophosphates are phosphorus in natural waters and wastewaters that occur as phosphates. They are found in solution, in particulate or powder form, or in the form of aquatic organisms.

Magnesium is an essential element in chlorophyll and in red blood cells. Some magnesium salts are toxic if ingested or inhaled. Concentrations above 125 mg/L can also have a laxative and diuretic effect.

The solubility of iron ions is controlled by the concentration of carbonate. Since groundwaters are often oxygen-deficient, soluble iron in groundwaters is usually in the form of iron salts. Upon exposure to air or the addition of oxidants, iron is oxidized to the ferrous state and can be hydrolyzed to produce the insoluble red hydrated iron oxide.

Copper exists in its elemental state, but is also found in many minerals, the most important of which include sulfide compounds (such as chalcopyrite), as well as oxides and carbonates. Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, roofing materials, various alloys, pigments, cookware, plumbing, and the chemical industry. Copper salts are used in water supply systems to control biological growth in tanks and distribution pipes and to catalyze the oxidation of manganese.

There are various methods for measuring the amount of organic matter in water. These methods include measuring the volatile fraction, measuring the total solids, BOD and COD. Because measuring the volatile fraction and measuring the total solids has a relatively large error, they are more often used than measuring the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) to obtain the amount of organic matter in water.

Alkalinity is a chemical measure of water's ability to neutralize acids. Alkalinity is also a measure of the buffering capacity of water, or its ability to resist changes in pH after the addition of acids. The alkalinity of natural waters is primarily due to the presence of weak acid salts, although strong bases may also contribute in extreme environments, e.g. (–OH).

The electrical conductivity (EC) of water is a measure of the ability of water to conduct an electric current. This ability is directly related to the concentration of conductive ions in the water. These conductive ions are caused by the presence of inorganic substances such as chlorides, alkalis, carbonate compounds, and sulfides, and dissolved salts. Most metals are excellent conductors of electricity because of the large number of free electrons.

We use a pH measurement kit to quickly and easily test and measure the pH of drinking and industrial water to maintain health and prevent damage to equipment, as well as control production processes.

Water hardness is caused almost entirely by calcium and magnesium ions. Other divalent and trivalent metals have a similar effect, but are not usually present in sufficient concentrations in drinking water to cause problems. High hardness prevents the formation of soap scum and can cause scale in water systems, especially boilers, cooling systems, and fresh water piping.

pH measurement is one of the most important and common tests in water chemistry. Almost every step in water supply and wastewater treatment (e.g., acid-base neutralization, water softening, sedimentation, coagulation, disinfection, and corrosion control) depends on pH. pH is used in the measurement of alkalinity and carbon dioxide and many other acid-base equilibria. At a given temperature, the intensity of the acidic or basic activity of a solution is indicated by pH, or hydrogen ion activity.

Chloride, in the form of the chloride ion (Cl-), is one of the most important mineral anions in water and wastewater. The salty taste varies with the chloride concentration and is dependent on the chemical composition of the water. Some waters containing 250 mg Cl-/L may have a detectable salty taste if the sodium cation is present.

Chemically, the alkalinity of water indicates its capacity to be neutralized by an acid. Neutralization of water means that the pH of the water reaches about 4.5. The alkalinity of natural waters is due to the presence of hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates.

TDS stands for total dissolved solids, which is the sum of the concentrations of all ions in water. Dissolved substances in water may be “organic” or “inorganic” in nature. Total dissolved solids (TDS) cannot be considered the main criterion for determining water quality and is more a measure of the degree of clarity of water.

The factor affecting the corrosion and sedimentation of water is alkalinity. For example, the alkalinity of water used in steam boilers must be high enough to prevent corrosion of the boiler walls.

Hard water is a term used to describe water containing cations of calcium, magnesium, strontium, iron, manganese, etc. Since the amount of strontium, iron, and manganese in water is very low, calcium and magnesium cations are considered the main cause of water hardness.