preciptation

Question 1

What is the initial state of precipitation before it falls to the earth?

Answer 1

Pure water

Question 2

What gases does precipitation pick up as it falls, and what effect do they have?

Answer 2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) which acidifies it to a pH of between 5 and 6

Question 3

What pollutants can rainwater pick up in heavily polluted areas?

Answer 3

Sulphate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), sulphurous oxides, nitrogenous oxides

Question 4

What is the pH range of acid rain?

Answer 4

As low as 2.6

Question 5

How does rainwater generally compare in mineral content and alkalinity?

Answer 5

Low in mineral content and very low in alkalinity

Question 6

What does alkalinity measure in water?

Answer 6

Dissolved alkaline substances in water (higher than pH 7.0)

Question 7

What is the function of alkalinity in water?

Answer 7

Buffers (stabilises) water at a higher pH by neutralising acids

Question 8

What are the three primary types of alkalinity?

Answer 8

• Bicarbonate
• Carbonate
• Hydroxide

Question 9

True or False: Rainwater from a non-polluted area could meet the required water quality for a brewery.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What complicates the use of rainwater for meeting a brewery’s full water requirements?

Answer 10

Impracticalities of collecting enough rainwater