What is the definition of pH?

The definition of pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. This is a key concept in chemistry and environmental science, as pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. The formula used to calculate pH is:

[ \text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+] ]

where [H+] represents the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. A lower pH value indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions, making the solution more acidic, while a higher pH value indicates a lower concentration of hydrogen ions, indicating a more basic solution.

Understanding pH is crucial in wastewater management because it affects various chemical and biological processes within treatment systems. Maintaining an appropriate pH level ensures the optimal functioning of treatment processes and can impact the discharge of treated water into the environment.