Which substance is commonly used to neutralize high pH wastewater?

In wastewater treatment, neutralizing high pH is crucial for ensuring that the water meets environmental regulations and is safe for discharge or further treatment. Sulfuric acid is often used in these scenarios due to its effectiveness in decreasing pH levels. It reacts vigorously with alkaline substances, thus lowering the pH efficiently and promptly.

When sulfuric acid is added to high pH wastewater, it dissociates in water to release hydrogen ions. These hydrogen ions interact with the hydroxide ions present in the wastewater, effectively neutralizing the alkalinity and reducing the overall pH to acceptable levels.

Other substances, like hydrochloric acid and acetic acid, can also lower pH but may not be as cost-effective or as commonly utilized in high pH scenarios. Sodium bicarbonate, on the other hand, tends to increase pH when reacted with acidic water, making it unsuitable for neutralizing high pH conditions. Hence, the most common and effective choice for this task is sulfuric acid.