@waterchem
Graduate students at UMass Amherst exploring the science of water chemistry. From water quality and sustainability to the latest research, join us as we dive into the complexities of water and its vital role in our world.
These anodes are readily available and used in pipelines, water heaters, boat hulls, or really any important metal devices used in water. You can take advantage of this chemistry trick for use with tools, bikes, or any metal you want to keep from rusting. Learn more about the Chemistry below! (3/3)
These anodes are made from metals like zinc, magnesium, or aluminum that oxidize more readily than iron or steel. When attached to a structure, they give up electrons, keeping the protected metal in a reduced (non-corroded) state while they slowly corrode instead. (2/3)
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Exemplars/Corrosion/Sacrificial_Anode
Have you ever left tools out and they rusted? Chemistry has a solution. Sacrificial anodes are metals used to protect other metals from corrosion and are used in many applications. They corrode instead of the metal they're protecting, extending the life of the metal they are attached to. (1/3)
Read more here: www.nps.gov/yell/learn/n...,
www.nps.gov/features/yel...
The vibrant colors associated with hydrothermal parks are linked to the presence of cyanobacteria and other organisms that form microbial mats. These organisms thrive in the warm, mineral rich water of hot springs. The water may appear bright blue due to a high concentration of silica. (4/5)
When this water moves to the surface, it can form precipitates, such as siliceous sinter (geyserite). If the energy released during the water to steam transition exceeds the confining force of the subsurface, an explosion will occur (eg. a geyser). (3/5)
The waters of these regions are a mix of meteoric water (rain and snow) as well as hydrothermal fluids and gases The composition is affected by fluid-rock interactions, phase-separation, mineral precipitation, and microbial activity. (2/5)
Did you know there are 19 national parks where you can see geothermal processes in action?
These regions are chemically and biologically complex. They form when water flows underground, is heated by magma or hot rock, and rises to the surface. (1/5)
www.nps.gov/subjects/geo...
Much like other parameters like temperature, pH and turbidity, ORP is an important parameter used in water quality analysis to determine the health of a water system. (4/4)
Larger values are typically seen as favorable, as they indicate a well-aerated system, whereas lower values can be problematic, possibly indicating pollution or eutrophication within the waters being measured. (3/4)
ORP is typically measured in millivolts (mV) using a specialized probe. A negative ORP shows that there are more electrons available to be transferred, showing a higher potential for oxidation. Conversely, a positive ORP shows a higher potential for reduction. (2/4)
Image Source: https://www.ysi.com/parameters/orp-redox?srsltid=AfmBOopGyaP8YuaG0x-mYGWELFZU7BYpIAKuvzMlzkOTEfnQwK8fLCTi
Oxidation-Reduction Potential, or ORP, is a water quality parameter that is often measured in surface waters. ORP is used to determine the ability for oxidation or reduction reactions to occur depending on the presence of various dissolved species within a system. (1/4)
Result: 35% increase in degradation kinetics for pollutants like BPS vs. traditional methods. Optimal at pH 7, deviation reduces efficacy. EPR confirms ROS dynamics. Applicable to surface/groundwater remediation.
Synergistic Oxidation-Coagulation Mechanism: FeΒ²βΊ-oxalate activated by MNB-enhanced Oβ generates radicals (Β·OH/Oββ») for oxidative degradation (78%). Concurrently, FeΒ³βΊ hydrolysis forms hydroxide complexes, enabling coagulation (22%).
Li, P., Huang, X., Yang, Q., Xia, H., Li, C., Zhang, Z., Wang, X., & Lu, J. (2025). Micro-nano bubbles enhanced degradation of emerging contaminants by ferrous-oxalate complexes: Synergistic interaction between oxidation and coagulation. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 19(5), 66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-1986-7
Can micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) enhance contaminant degradation efficiency? MNBs augment oxidative processes via elevated dissolved oxygen (DO), generating hydroxyl (Β·OH) and superoxide (O2β’ β) radicals, and facilitating ferric hydroxide floc formation.
Reference: www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16...
Carbonβs Role: Fueling Microbial Cleanup Crews
Roots secrete glucose (CβHββOβ), heterotrophs need C:N β₯5 for ΞG < -50 kJ/mol.
Low carbon β Denitrifying microbes canβt efficiently convert NOββ» β Nβ , NOββ» accumulates. >90% N removal in summer and 55% in winter!
pH Balance & Metal Trapping in Wetlands:
Low pH dissolves metals (e.g., Pb) into HβO! Wetland plants buffer pH via ROL, stabilizing metals as solids.
PbΒ²βΊ + 2OHβ» β Pb(OH)β β
Sun, H., Zhou, Y., Jiagn, C. 2024. Regulating Denitrification in Constructed Wetlands: The Synergistic Role of Radial Oxygen Loss and Root Exudates. Water, 16 (24), 3706. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16243706
How do wetlands remove nitrogen from water?
Redox reactions! Plants like Phragmites leak oxygen (Radial Oxygen Loss) from roots, creating redox zones. Aerobic (Oβ-rich) areas oxidize NHββΊ to NOββ», while anaerobic zones reduce NOββ» to harmless Nβ gas. Some wetland plants release up to 5g Oβ/mΒ²/day!
Hard water is not inherently bad; it can reduce pipe corrosion, be an important source of dietary minerals, and even have better taste. But overly hard water can cause too much limescale buildup, and reduce the water pressure and useful life of hot water heaters and other plumbing features. (5/5)
Water hardness is related to the concentration of not only dissolved calcium, but also magnesium and other trace amounts of metals, and therefore also describes the potential for limescale to develop. (4/5)
CaCO3 acts as a base in water, where the CO32- anion reacts with free H+ cations, reducing their concentration. The presence of limescale on plumbing fixtures thus works doubly to raise pH and reduce corrosivity by creating a barrier on the metal surface. (3/5)
A lower Langelier Index value indicates the water is undersaturated with CaCO3 and has higher corrosion potential. A higher index value indicates oversaturation, and CaCO3 can precipitate on plumbing through what is called lime scaling, a chalk-like substance often found on faucets (2/5).
As pH and alkalinity measure acidity and hardness, another metric exists for corrosivity. In the 1930s Dr. Wilfred Langelier developed the Langelier Saturation Index to measure calcium carbonate (CaCO3) saturation, describing waterβs potential for mobilizing toxic metals in pipes and fixtures.(π§΅1/5)
When trawlers disturb the seafloor, they don't just catch fishβthey also trigger pyrite oxidation. This reaction releases CO2 into the atmosphere, turning the ocean floor from a carbon sink into a carbon source. Itβs a hidden cause of rising greenhouse gases.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424121152.htm
Did you know that not only does fish trawling destroy the thriving ocean life on the ocean floor but it also could be contributing significantly to climate change?
This common fishing technique harms ecosystems and may have more environmental consequences than we realize.
Link : https://news.mit.edu/2024/new-filtration-material-could-remove-long-lasting-water-chemicals-09 06#:~:text=The%20material%2C%20based%20on%20natural,keep%20the%20filters%20from% 20fouling
MIT developed a new filtration material that can be used to remove PFAS chemicals. This new material is composed of natural silk and cellulose.
The cellulose material can be derived from agricultural wood pulp waste, and is also biodegradable making it a great sustainable option for PFAS treatment.
