Chapter: 10th Science : Chapter 10 : Types of Chemical Reactions
Role of pH in Everyday Life
ROLE OF pH IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Are plants and animals pH sensitive?
Our body works within
the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Living organisms can survive only in a narrow range
of pH change. Different body fluids have different pH values. For example, pH
of blood is ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. Any increase or decrease in this value
leads to diseases. The ideal pH for blood is 7.4.
pH
in our digestive system
It is very interesting
to note that our stomach produces hydrochloric acid. It helps in the digestion
of food without harming the stomach. During indigestion the stomach produces too
much acid and this causes pain and irritation. pH of the stomach fluid is
approximately 2.0.
pH changes as the cause of tooth decay
pH of the saliva
normally ranges between 6. 5 to 7.5. White enamel coating of our teeth is
calcium phosphate, the hardest substance in our body. When the pH of the mouth
saliva falls below 5.5, the enamel gets weathered. Toothpastes, which are
generally basic are used for cleaning the teeth that can neutralise the excess
acid and prevent tooth decay.
pH of soil
In agriculture, the pH
of the soil is very important. Citrus fruits require slightly alkaline soil,
while rice requires acidic soil and sugarcane requires neutral soil.
pH of rain water
The pH of rain water is
approximately 7, which means that it is neutral and also represents its high
purity. If the atmospheric air is polluted with oxide gases of sulphur and
nitrogen, they get dissolved in the rain water and make its pH less than 7.
Thus, if the pH of rain water is less than 7, then it is called acid rain. When
acid rain flows into the rivers it lowers the pH of the river water also.
The survival of aquatic
life in such rivers becomes difficult.
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