Function of Reagents and Indicators for the Parameter pH
Reagents and indicators play an important role in determining the pH value of a solution. The pH value provides information about whether a substance is acidic, neutral, or basic, and is a key parameter in many chemical, biological, and technical processes.
Indicators are dyes that change color depending on the pH value. Well-known examples include litmus (red in acids, blue in bases), phenolphthalein (colorless to pink), or methyl orange (red to yellow). They are used to quickly and easily make pH changes visible—mainly in qualitative analysis.
Reagents can also be used to determine pH, especially in quantitative methods such as titration. In this process, the reagent reacts with the substance being analyzed, and with the help of an indicator or measuring device, the exact pH value can be determined.
Areas of Application
- Environmental analysis: For monitoring pH levels in water bodies, soil, or wastewater. A pH that is too low or too high can indicate environmental pollution.
- Medicine and biology: In diagnostics (e.g., measuring pH in urine, blood, or saliva) to detect diseases or metabolic disorders.
- Food industry: Monitoring pH during the production and storage of foods (e.g., yogurt, cheese, canned goods), as it affects taste, shelf life, and safety.
- Chemical industry: In production processes to monitor and control reactions where pH is critical to the reaction's course.
- Household and everyday use: pH test strips to check pool water, aquariums, skincare products, or cleaning agents.
