Thanks to MintJulep and CoryPad for your replies. In reply to Pat, no I'm not a student and yes I graduated high school a very long time ago. I'm just trying to find any possible causes of why our rainwater run off tested highly acidic. Thanks.
The concern is the significant increase in acidity from last year to this year. I work in a rubber mixing plant and there's been no increase in the types or volume of chemicals we use nor any change in our housekeeping procedures. So I'm looking at any potential source including fluid-leaking cars and trucks in the parking lot. The State requires we test our rain water run off regularly and the increase is cause for concern, not to mention a potential fine. Again thanks to all who replied.
do you have many 2007/later model year diesels coming and going from the plant? they might have more-acidic condensate dripping from the exhaust system on cool days, due to aftertreatment that was added for 2007 emissions regs. There would be progressively more such vehicles on the road as time goes on and older vehicles are removed from fleets...
I very much doubt that the liquids are acid as that would create corrosion problems.
Exhaust gas can be acid as Isaac indicates.
On spark ignition engines poor or ineffective emission control devices or alcohol fuels might decrease the ph of exhaust gas.
Is not sulphur used extensively in rubber compounds. If so I would think it had a potential for acid rain that outweighed cars in the parking lot by a huge factor.
Are you near a main road, an airport, a main railway, a power station or race track for cars, especially cars that burn alcohol or nitromethane.
Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &
"The recommended pH range for coolants is on the slight alkaline side, from 7.5 to 11. Anything at 11 and above would be considered too high. Tests that range from 6.0 up to 7.5 would be considered too low. The pH of fresh coolant slowly decreases with time and use in a cooling system as acids are formed by the oxidation of ethylene or propylene glycol. "
To everyone that responded to my post, thank you very much for your imput. We think we found the cause of the increased acidity in the rain run-off. It's amazing how a bit of untidiness on the part of Maintenance can cause difficulties.
