Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 27/01/2021 14:34:38

Title: How long would it take for rainwater to dissolve limestone?
Post by: katieHaylor on 27/01/2021 14:34:38

John says:

I am building a large pond and plan to spread a limestone gravel around the shoreline. The pond will be filled with rainwater and I was wondering how long it would take for the rainwater to start to dissolve the limestone and impact the pond water pH? I am hoping over time for the pond to have alkaline water but not sure how realistic this is.

What do you think?

Title: Re: How long would it take for rainwater to dissolve limestone?
Post by: Bored chemist on 27/01/2021 19:10:02

It's hard to say but my guess is it would be reasonably quick- a week or so.
You could speed things up by adding crushed lime.
How big is the pond?

Title: Re: How long would it take for rainwater to dissolve limestone?
Post by: axscientist on 27/01/2021 22:47:19

You can add an acid to speed up the dissolving process, since by adding acid, the limestone will become soluble in water and thus be able to dissolve. Carbon dioxide can dissolve into water to form carbonic acid, which also works.

Title: Re: How long would it take for rainwater to dissolve limestone?
Post by: Bored chemist on 27/01/2021 22:56:20

Quote from: katieHaylor on 27/01/2021 14:34:38

I am hoping over time for the pond to have alkaline water

Quote from: axscientist on 27/01/2021 22:47:19

You can add an acid

I don't think you understood the problem.