Which chemical is often used for pH adjustment in wastewater treatment?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is widely utilized for pH adjustment in wastewater treatment due to its strong alkaline properties. When added to wastewater, it effectively increases the pH level, neutralizing acidity and helping to create a more favorable environment for biological processes and chemical reactions within the treatment system. Maintaining proper pH levels is essential in wastewater treatment, as it affects the solubility and toxicity of various pollutants, as well as the efficiency of treatment processes such as coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection.

In contrast, while sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate are primarily used for buffering and can also adjust pH, they are not as effective in rapidly altering pH levels compared to sodium hydroxide. Ammonium nitrate is not used for pH adjustment; instead, it serves as a nitrogen source for biological processes. Therefore, sodium hydroxide stands out as the most effective chemical for direct pH adjustment in wastewater treatment applications.