The total boron (BT) is the sum of boron species in a solution. In the environment these species usually include boric acid and borate, for example:

BT = [H2BO3] + [H3BO3]

where

  • BT is the total boron concentration
  • [H2BO3] is the dihydrogen borate concentration
  • [H3BO3] is the boric acid concentration

Total boron is an important quantity when determining alkalinity due to borate's contribution to a solution's acid neutraling capacity. Total boron is a conservative element in seawater, and can thus be calculated by simply knowing the salinity.

See also

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