Why is pH an important parameter in water treatment?

pH is a crucial parameter in water treatment because it significantly affects the solubility and biological availability of various chemicals in the water. For instance, certain chemicals, including nutrients and toxins, may become more or less available for biological uptake depending on the pH level. This directly influences the effectiveness of disinfection processes, as the efficacy of disinfectants like chlorine can be altered by pH levels. In a water treatment context, maintaining an appropriate pH ensures that disinfection agents work optimally and that harmful substances are effectively neutralized. Thus, understanding and controlling pH is essential for achieving safe and clean water.