Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning P

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phenolphthalein alkalinity (FEE-nol-THAY-leen)

The alkalinity in a water sample measured by the amount of standard acid required to lower the pH to a level of 8.3, as indicated by the change in color of phenolphthalein from pink to clear. Phenolphthalein alkalinity is expressed as milligrams per liter of equivalent calcium carbonate.