The Effect Of PH On Copper Corrosion
Table of Contents
An opening
Research conducted in the past and present
Topics that impact on the topic
Further research
In conclusion,
Initiation
The copper element is essential to humans. A small amount of the copper must be included in our diet. “On an average, the majority of people will consume or drink approximately 1,000 micrograms per day (?g)” (Winter, 2009). Copper is important for the health of a person, though too much can cause harm. Water is the main source of copper for most people. Water corrodes pipes and copper is found in it. Corrosive water tends also to cause corrosion in pipes. Copper pipes corrode because of the acidity. Drinking water is contaminated with copper due to this. Copper in water can be identified by its blue color, metallic taste, or distinctive smell. Copper becomes green when it reacts with acids. Copper turns green when it reacts with different elements. Acid rain is responsible for the gradual greening of the Statue of Liberty. Acid rain occurs when humans pollute the water system. Acid rain, when in contact with the copper, changes its color from a bright green to dull. The pH of the solution can greatly affect copper corrosion.
Current and previous researchCopper is more likely to corrode when liquids contain a higher level of acidity. Researchers have found that water with a higher acidity tends corrode the pipes. Cleveland’s citizens have noticed a discoloration on their Lake Erie-supplied water. The water has a slight brownish/yellowish color. The raw water’s acidity level, measured by pH, plummeted to a point that it could be considered acidic. 2019). Scientists who live in the region have noticed a drop in pH. Scientists conclude that water turning brown is due to corrosion of the pipes carrying water into a home. “If pH levels are too high, protective coatings can break down and lead may be present in the drinking-water.” (Margevicius. 2019). According to another scientist, a bad pH can cause the copper pipe coating to be destroyed. This coating prevents copper pipes from corroding so quickly. Copper pipes are also coated to reduce the risk of lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can happen when the protective coat on the copper pipes is dissolved by the acidity. Water is so corrosive that the protective coating will not protect the pipes. “Many communities nationwide use zinc orthophosphate.” (Water Research Foundation. 2016). Zinc orthophosphate is another thing people are using to stop copper corrosion. Zinc orthophosphate has been used in copper pipes to reduce corrosion. However, it is costly. Scientists have been working to find a better way than zinc orthophosphate to protect pipes. A lot of research is being done to determine the impact of pH on corrosive corrosion, due to its severity.
The impact of the topicThe pH effect on corrosion affects people, drinking-water, pipes, and other copper products. Corrosion has a negative impact on people, drinking water and copper pipes. Copper pipes used to transport water for drinking can corrode when the water is highly acidic. Water quality has a major impact on the pH of copper. Jay Dartmann: “Copper corrosion can cause leakages and lead to a higher copper concentration in drinking waters as a result of residential plumbing.” 2019). This is a good time to start thinking about 2019! Acidic water damages pipes, causing microscopic holes that allow water to leak. These small holes become larger with time. The larger the hole in the pipe, the more acidic the water will cause. Damaged pipes can’t transport water. Acidity in water damages the pipes, causing them to burst. Copper corrosion is influenced by PH.
Research on pH and copper corrosionAdditional research is required to find out how acidic a pH is. It would be helpful if scientists could determine the exact amount of acidity that is safe for drinking before water becomes too toxic. Copper pipes need to be strengthened. Copper is durable and strong. Scientists must find a metal which is 100% resistant to corrosion. Only then can people drink without worrying about poisonous substances such as lead or metal. It will take more research to determine if alkaline and basic solutions corrode in the same manner. Copper corrosion is caused by acidity, but we don’t yet know whether bases affect pipes the same way. To determine whether basic substances are more corrosive, studies must be conducted. The effects of pH on copper have been studied extensively, but little research has focused on solutions. It is best to experiment with pH levels in order to find the metal that will corrode least when acidic metals are present.
ConclusionCopper is corroded by water or solutions that have a pH less than 7. It is because acidic solutions are more powerful than base solutions and can corrode copper faster. Acids like soap, milk and baking soda corrode more readily than bases. Acids are able to give off hydrogen (H+), whereas bases can give off hydroxide (OH-) ions. Bases release OH ions upon reaction with water. Acidic water damages copper pipes, as it corrodes the copper and turns to copper. Copper in small amounts is safe, but copper consumed in large quantities can be dangerous. Improving copper structures like statues, pipes, and buildings would improve safety and refinement in the world.
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