What is Acidity and Alkalinity Testing?
Acidity and alkalinity testing is a fundamental analytical process used to determine the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in a solution, thereby assessing its pH level. This testing provides a quantitative measure of whether a substance is acidic (pH below 7), neutral (pH equal to 7), or alkaline (pH above 7). I
t is essential in various industries such as environmental monitoring, water treatment, food production, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, where precise pH control is critical for quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. Methods for acidity and alkalinity testing include the use of pH meters for direct measurement, colorimetric indicators for quick visual assessment, and titration techniques for precise quantification.
By evaluating pH, organizations can ensure optimal process conditions, safeguard product integrity, and minimize environmental impact.
Acidity and Alkalinity Testing Procedure
Acidity and alkalinity testing in water, as prescribed by international standards, comprises (i) an electrometric pH measurement and (ii) standardized titrations with defined endpoints and reporting.
pH is measured with a glass-electrode system calibrated at two points with certified buffers, using equipment that specifies electrode slope/offset and temperature compensation; sampling, preservation (minimize gas exchange, keep cool and dark), and measurement should occur under comparable temperatures because pH is temperature-dependent and low-alkalinity waters are prone to CO₂ exchange artifacts (ISO 10523).
The method bases pH on the potential difference of an electrochemical cell, with reporting of the measurement temperature and attention to interferences such as electrode coating and diffusion voltages in low-conductivity waters. For acidity, APHA Standard Methods 2310B prescribes titration of the sample with standardized alkali (e.g., NaOH) to fixed endpoints:
pH 3.7 (“methyl orange acidity”) for complex or buffered waters and pH 8.3 (“phenolphthalein/total acidity”) for waters where CO₂ is the dominant weak acid; hot-peroxide pretreatment is specified for samples containing hydrolyzable or oxidizable metal ions (e.g., Fe, Al, Mn).
Results are typically expressed as mg CaCO₃ L⁻¹ or converted from normality using the recorded titrant volume and normality, and the chosen endpoint pH must be reported.
For alkalinity, ISO 9963-1 specifies potentiometric or visual titration with standard acid (typically HCl) to pH 8.3 to obtain the phenolphthalein (composite) alkalinity and continuation to pH 4.5 to obtain total alkalinity; it defines calculation formulae in mmol L⁻¹ and provides conversion factors to CaCO₃ and other units, noting interferences and the preference for potentiometric endpoints.
Nikopharmad Acidity and Alkalinity Testing Laboratory
Accreditation and Global Recognition
At Nikopharmad, our Acidity and Alkalinity Testing services are backed by ISO/IEC 17025 certification and ILAC accreditation, ensuring strict adherence to internationally recognized analytical quality and technical competence standards.
These credentials guarantee that our acidity and alkalinity testing results comply with the most rigorous international regulatory requirements, recognized by ISO 10523, ISO 9963, ASTM D1067, APHA Standard Methods, EPA, and leading environmental, water quality, agricultural, and industrial process authorities worldwide.
Technical Excellence and Validated Infrastructure
Our state-of-the-art analytical facility is equipped with precision pH meters, potentiometric titration systems, automated burettes, high-purity reference standards, and specialized sampling equipment to ensure accurate measurement of both free and total acidity, as well as carbonate and bicarbonate alkalinity. We operate strictly in accordance with validated international methodologies, including ISO 10523, ISO 9963-1/2, ASTM D1067, and APHA Standard Methods 2310 and 2320.
Stringent environmental controls, precision-calibrated instrumentation, and standardized sampling protocols ensure pH stability and integrity from collection to reporting—whether testing drinking water, wastewater, process streams, cooling systems, soil extracts, or environmental samples.
Regulatory-Ready Reporting and Timely Results
In industries where compliance timelines are critical, Nikopharmad delivers rapid, accurate, and fully defensible acidity and alkalinity data. All results are provided with complete method validation records, traceable raw data, and statistical analyses aligned with the submission requirements of WHO, EPA, European Commission Water Framework Directive, and national environmental agencies.
Our optimized workflow ensures fast turnaround without compromising analytical accuracy or regulatory compliance, supporting water quality certification, environmental audits, process control monitoring, and agricultural soil assessments.
Confidentiality and Data Integrity
We uphold the highest levels of client confidentiality and data protection. All acidity and alkalinity testing activities are performed under strict non-disclosure agreements and supported by 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic data systems. Every analysis is documented with a complete audit trail, ensuring traceability, reliability, and regulatory defensibility of results. Sensitive data, proprietary sampling strategies, and compliance-related reports are handled with uncompromising ethical and professional standards.
Competitive Pricing with Uncompromised Quality
We provide cost-effective acidity and alkalinity testing solutions tailored to the needs of small enterprises, large corporations, municipalities, and governmental agencies. Our transparent pricing model allows clients to meet compliance requirements efficiently while upholding international analytical standards and scientific rigor reducing regulatory approval timelines without sacrificing quality.
To request testing or a complimentary consultation contact Nikopharmad
Partner with Nikopharmad for Expert Acidity and Alkalinity Testing
By partnering with Nikopharmad, you gain access to a globally accredited laboratory dedicated to scientific precision, regulatory compliance, and uncompromising data integrity. Whether assessing drinking water quality, industrial process control, agricultural suitability, or environmental impact, our expertise in acidity and alkalinity testing ensures accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized results—helping you achieve compliance faster, with complete confidence.