Bicarbonate, dissolved

Overview

Bicarbonate is one of the solutes in the water that buffers the pH of natural waters to react with and neutralize acid. Sources of bicarbonate are limestone and decomposition of organic matter. Bicarbonate is important in determining a stream's ability to neutralize acidic pollution from rainfall or wastewater. Bicarbonate concentration in water may be used by water treatment managers to determine amounts of chemicals to add during the treatment process.