Question

What do you think is a potential cause of the spike in pH? Explain your answer.

“One reason the pH may have spiked is…

Answer 1

One reason the pH may have spiked is the increased exposure of the water body to airborne pollutants, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen compounds, leading to alterations in the carbonate equilibrium. For instance, if there is a significant reduction in carbon dioxide levels, perhaps due to increased photosynthetic activity from algae or aquatic plants, this could result in a decrease in dissolved carbonic acid, thus raising the pH. Conversely, if agricultural runoff containing fertilizers increases the nitrogen levels in the water, it may lead to eutrophication, where algal blooms consume CO2 during photosynthesis, subsequently increasing pH levels. Additionally, if there was a recent change in the water's buffering capacity—perhaps due to sediment disturbance or a shift in water chemistry—this could result in an abrupt spike in pH levels. Overall, these factors reflect how anthropogenic influences or natural changes in an ecosystem can significantly impact water chemistry, including pH.