Carbonate alkalinity is caused by which ion?

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Multiple Choice

Carbonate alkalinity is caused by which ion?

Explanation:
Carbonate alkalinity comes from the carbonate ion, CO3^2−. Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to neutralize acids, and the carbonate portion specifically involves ions that can accept protons in the carbonate–bicarbonate system. CO3^2− provides alkalinity by reacting with added acids to form HCO3− and, with further acid, H2CO3. Bicarbonate (HCO3−) also contributes to overall alkalinity, but the term carbonate alkalinity refers to the contribution from CO3^2−. Calcium carbonate and carbonic acid are not the carbonate alkalinity ion (Calcium carbonate is a solid; carbonic acid is not an ion).

Carbonate alkalinity comes from the carbonate ion, CO3^2−. Alkalinity is the water’s capacity to neutralize acids, and the carbonate portion specifically involves ions that can accept protons in the carbonate–bicarbonate system. CO3^2− provides alkalinity by reacting with added acids to form HCO3− and, with further acid, H2CO3. Bicarbonate (HCO3−) also contributes to overall alkalinity, but the term carbonate alkalinity refers to the contribution from CO3^2−. Calcium carbonate and carbonic acid are not the carbonate alkalinity ion (Calcium carbonate is a solid; carbonic acid is not an ion).

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