Essay Archive - Phosphates in Water Pollution
Phosphates in Water Pollution
Phosphates may be created by substituting some or all of the hydrogen of
a phosphoric acid by metals. Depending on the number of hydrogen atoms that are
replaced, the resulting compound is described as a primary, secondary or
tertiary phosphate. Primary and secondary phosphates contain hydrogen and are
acid salts. Secondary and tertiary phosphates, with the exception of those of
sodium, potassium and ammonium are insoluble in water. Tertiary sodium phosphate
is valuable as a detergent and water softener. The primary phosphates tend to be
more soluble.....
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