The ionic strength is calculated with formula
(1):
 |
(1) |
where:
The activity coefficient is calculated with
formula (2):
 |
so |
 |
(2) |
where:
 |
=activity coefficient |
This activity coefficient is used in the calculation
of the pHs (saturation pH) but it can also be used
to determine the minimum concentration of a dissolved element
required to be in equilibrium with its solid (salt) element.
You can for example determine the minimum concentration of calcium
that would be required in solution to be in equilibrium with
the solid calcium carbonate.

The equilibrium constant Ksp of this
equilibrium equation is called the solubility product constant.
It can be calculated with the following equation:
The molar concentrations of calcium and carbonate
ions are the same, in addition calcium and carbonate ions are
both divalent ions so they have the same activity coefficient.
The minimal concentration for an equilibrated
water regarding calcium carbonate is:
Use the following calculator to determine
the minimal concentration of calcium that would be required
in solution to be in equilibrium with solid calcium carbonate.
Use the activity coefficient of the divalent ion calculated
above.
Remark: The calculation above shows only the
ions that are usually present in drinking water. If you have
for example Silicates and Fluorides in your water, the ionic
strength is not accurate.