AquaChem FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions for AquaChem. If you have a question that isn't listed here, please contact our technical support team ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Q1: When opening or creating a new database in AquaChem, an error message “[Warning!] ActiveX component can’t create object” appears. How can this warning be corrected?

Answer:

The AquaChem 2011.1 software has a dependency on the Microsoft Office Access 2007 Runtime. If this dependency is missing the above error will occur. To resolve this issue, the standalone Microsoft Office Access 2007 Runtime can be downloaded directly from Microsoft here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=D9AE78D9-9DC6-4B38-9FA6-2C745A175AED.
Alternatively, the Access 2007 runtime is a component of Microsoft Office 2007 and installing Microsoft Office 2007 will also address this issue.

Q2: How are acidity and alkalinity calculated in AquaChem 2011.1?

Answer:

Alkalinity calculation: The acid-neutralizing (alkaline) component of most samples relates to the carbonate species (i.e. HCO3 and CO3). In most cases, Alkalinity = HCO3 + 2CO3, expressed as HCO3. Generally alkalinity is expressed in mg/L of CaCO3, so multiply by the molar ratio (61/100) and then multiply by two since CO3 has twice the acid neutralizing capacity as HCO3. This is the conversion for bicarbonate. To convert for carbonate (CO3) simply multiply by the molar ratio (60/100) for CO3

Acidity Calculation: This is the base neutralizing capacity, a measure of the amount of acid in a sample. Generally, it relates to the concentration of H2CO3 which will need to be multiplied by molar ratio and divided by two to express this as CaCO3.

Q3: When importing data into PHREEQC, one or more parameters are not added. How can these be added in AquaChem 2011.1?

Answer:

In order to write a parameter value to the PHREEQC output file, AquaChem v.2011.1 must know which database parameter corresponds to the PHREEQC master species parameter. This is defined within the thermodynamic database (i.e. phreeqc.dat). If a master species can be mapped to a AquaChem parameter, then the AquaChem parameter name has to be added at the end of the line as a comment (#parameter name). If one or more parameters has not being added, the link to the parameter is likely missing. Please open the phreeqc.dat file, or the thermodynamic database you are using and add #[parametername] in AquaChem at the end of the line. Start AquaChem again using the phreeqc.dat file in the following format.

Ca Ca+2 0.0 Ca 40.08 #Ca
Mg Mg+2 0.0 Mg 24.31 #Mg
Na Na+ 0.0 Na 22.98 #Na
K K+ 0.0 K 39.10 #K

Q4: How can the plots be arranged so that they are ordered in the Print Options window?

Answer:
In the AquaChem 2011.1 main window, users can navigate to Plots>List of Plots to view a summary of the open plot windows. By highlighting an individual plot, users can rearrange the order in which they print using the green arrow keys at the bottom of the window. A dropdown menu is also available to quickly sort the plots in order using “plot title then y-axis title” or “y-axis title then plot title”.

Q5: In the Print Options window, the plots and legends do not move when the green arrows are clicked or the coordinates are changed. How can the positions be modified?

Answer:
To allow the position of a plot or legend to be altered, the corresponding plot must first be selected from the Available Plots menu. Once the plot is selected (highlighted in blue), the arrow keys and coordinate boxes will become active.

Q6: How can additional parameters be added to the database template in AquaChem 2011.1?

Answer:
New parameters can be added to the database by selecting File>Preferences. Select the Database Parameters tab and select the parameter group to which the new parameter can be added. Select the ‘+’ to add a new parameter and choose a parameter from the parameter list or add a new parameter. Enter the appropriate parameter details (i.e. form label, description, etc.). Select ‘Apply’ to add this parameter to the existing database.

Q7: How do I assign symbols to my stations and samples?

Answer:
In the main window, navigate to Plots>Define Symbol or Line to open the “Define Symbol or Line” window. At the top of this window, users can select a predefined list of samples from the dropdown or click the [...] to generate a user-defined list. Stations and Samples can be added and removed using the Add and Delete buttons at the bottom of the list. To change the symbol shape, size, colour, etc., the Edit Selected Symbols menu can be opened using the radio button beneath the list as well.

Q8: When opening a project created in an older version of AquaChem, the symbols default to black and white. How can this be changed?

Answer:
AquaChem 2011.1 contains more symbol options than previous versions of the software and the user preference will need to be updated to allow the use of these symbols. From the main window, navigate to File>Preferences and select the Plots tab. In the Symbols box, change the option from Font to Markers and save your changes.

Q9: Which parameters are needed to calculate the saturation index for calcite using PHREEQC in AquaChem 2011.1?

Answer:
The sample will need to have a value for pH, alkalinity or bicarbonate (HCO3) and calcium (Ca).

Q10: How can ionic combinations (Na + K) be plotted as opposed to single ions in AquaChem 2011.1?

Answer:
When creating a plot, the plot options window will appear. Enter the combined parameters (i.e. Na+K) in the parameter box to add this combination to the plot.

END FAQ

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