Applications of buffer solutions

 

The applications of buffer
solutions

Buffer solution finds extensive applications in a variety of fields. Some of its applications are as follows:

(i) In biochemical system: pH of blood in our body is maintained at 7.36-7.42 due to (HCO + H,CO) buffer. A mere change of 0.2 pH units can cause death. The saline solution used for intravenous injection must contain buffer system to maintain the proper pH of the blood.

(ii) Agriculture: The soils get buffered due to presence of salts such as carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphates and organic acids. The choice of fertilizers depends upon pH of soil.

(iii) Industry: Buffers play an important role in paper, dye, ink, paint and drug industries.

(iv) Medicine : Penicillin preparations are stabilized by addition of sodium citrate as buffer. When citric acid is added to milk of magnesia Mg(OH),, magnesium citrate is formed, which is a buffer.

(v) Analytical chemistry: In qualitative analysis, a pH of 8 to 10 is required for precipitation of cations IIIA group. It is maintained with the use of (NH,OH + NH,CI) buffer.