Why is pH significant in water quality?

pH is significant in water quality primarily because it affects the solubility and biological availability of chemical constituents. The pH level indicates how acidic or basic the water is, which in turn influences many chemical reactions that take place within the water. For instance, certain minerals and nutrients are more soluble at specific pH levels, meaning that their availability for biological uptake depends heavily on the water's pH. A pH that is too low (acidic) or too high (basic) can impact the health of aquatic life and alter aquatic ecosystems.

In the context of water treatment and quality assessment, monitoring pH levels is crucial as it helps in predicting the behavior of contaminants and effectiveness of treatment processes, as well as understanding the health of fish populations and aquatic habitats. This offers essential guidance for ensuring safe and healthy water supply systems.