**5.2. Neutralization**

Neutralization is controlling the pH of the wastewater whether it is acidic or alkaline to keep the pH around 7. The lack of sufficient alkalinity will require the addition of a base (Table 3) to adjust the pH to the acceptable range. Lime (CaO), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), also known as soda ash, are the most common chemicals used to adjust the pH [34]. The lack of sufficient acidity will require the addition of an acid to adjust the pH to the acceptable range. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) are the most common chemicals used to adjust the pH.
