Which parameter is adjusted during pH adjustment in water treatment?

In water treatment, pH adjustment primarily focuses on modifying the acidity or basicity of water. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidity and values above 7 indicating alkalinity. This parameter is crucial because it affects not only the chemical processes in water treatment but also influences the solubility and biological availability of various elements and compounds.

Managing the pH is essential for optimal disinfection processes, as specific pH levels can enhance the effectiveness of disinfectants like chlorine. Additionally, maintaining appropriate pH levels is vital for protecting infrastructure and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Thus, during pH adjustment, the primary goal is to either increase or decrease the level of acidity or basicity to achieve suitable drinking water quality. Other options, such as altering water temperature, chlorine quantity, or turbidity levels, pertain to different aspects of water treatment and do not directly relate to pH adjustment.