You are told that a heavily polluted sewer contains high concentrations of H2S (pKa₁ = 7.2) and ammonia (pKa = 9.3). Upon inspect of the manhole at the sewage treatment plant you can smell ammonia (NH3) but cannot detect any H2S odor. What can you say about the likely pH range of the sewage?

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
5th Edition
ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Chapter14: Acids And Bases
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 118QRT
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You are told that a heavily polluted sewer contains high concentrations of H2S (pKa₁ = 7.2) and ammonia (pKa = 9.3). Upon inspect of the manhole at the sewage treatment plant you can smell ammonia (NH3) but cannot detect any H2S odor. What can you say about the likely pH range of the sewage?

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