MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: How can I calculate solubility of calcium carbonate in saline solutions?

Date: Mon Apr 5 15:30:06 1999
Posted By: David Sherman, Staff, Sr. Analytical Chemist, Chr. Hansen Ingredient Technology
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 922511503.Ch
Message:

     The question that you have asked is extremely complicated due to a 
number of factors that will effect the relative solubility of Calcium 
Carbonate.  The factors that will effect the solubility are:
1.  Temperature (LeChatelier's Principle)
2.  pH
3.  Concentration of dissolved Carbon dioxide in the water.
4.  Concentration of NaCl in the saline solution.
     The solubility product for Calcium carbonate and pure water at 20C is 
5.0 X 10exp.-9.  The solubility of Calcium carbonate in seawater at 20C is 
6.0 X 10exp.-7.  Both numbers illustrate that Calcium carbonate is not 
readily soluble in water.  The solubility in seawater is also very low, 
but is 100X more soluble than pure water due to the effects of interionic 
attraction in aqueous media of high concentration.  The possibility of 
Metathesis Reactions, in which cations (+) and anions (-) exchange 
partners also exsists.  
     I am afraid that I do not have a "magic" formula for you to make the 
solubility determination, but an increased understanding of all the 
variables is a step in the right direction.   


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