Conductivity of weak electrolytes for buffer solutions: Modeling within the mean spherical approximation

The purpose of this study is to predict the electrical conductivity of some weak electrolytes used in buffer solutions. The acid-base reactions occurring between the different species in solution are evaluated taking into account the activity coefficients. The deviations from ideality necessary to describe the equilibrium and transport properties are estimated within the mean spherical approximation (MSA). Results from theoretical expressions of the conductivity of electrolyte mixtures are compared with experimental results from the literature in the case of acetate, carbonate and bicarbonate solutions. In order to characterize all the ions that may be present, we also studied the ability of our theory to describe some strong alkaline or acid solutions.