🧪 Annex Science Series Vol.1｜What is alkaline ionized water? Using science to solve the problem of “friendly water” with a pH of 9.9
“Gentle alkalinity” created by nature
"Onsen Water 99" is a natural alkaline ionized water that springs from 750 meters underground in Tarumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
pH is about 9.5-9.9 and hardness is only 1.7. Both are rare in the world.Super soft strong alkaline natural water”.
We will unravel the basis of this "kindness" from a scientific perspective.
① What is pH? Difference between acidic, neutral, and alkaline
pH is an index that indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in an aqueous solution.
The range of 0 to 14 represents acidity, neutrality, and alkalinity.
| pH value | nature | Typical example |
|---|---|---|
| 0〜6.9 | acidic | Carbonated water, fruit juice, stomach acid, etc. |
| 7.0 | neutral | distilled water |
| 7.1〜14 | alkaline | Soapy water, hot spring water 99, etc. |
The value of pH9.9 isAlkalinity, which is extremely rare in natureand
Normally, it cannot be obtained without artificial processing such as electrolysis.
Hot spring water 99 isNatural alkaline ionized water that has a pH of 9.9 due to its geological origin.It is.
② pH balance in the body and the role of alkaline water
human blood is always pH7.35~7.45 It is kept close to
When this balance is disrupted, metabolic function declines.
By consuming alkaline water,
It is thought to help alleviate hyperacidity in the stomach and balance a mildly acidic constitution.
(*This is not a medical treatment,General nutritional knowledgeThis is an effect based on. )
💡 Scientific points:
The pH of hot spring water 99 is 9.9, which has a gentle effect on the body as ``naturally derived alkaline''.
③ Difference between natural alkaline ionized water and artificial alkaline water
Many commercially available alkaline ionized waters are
**This is "electrolyzed water" whose pH has been artificially raised through electrolysis**.
On the other hand, hot spring water 99 is underground.Naturally alkalized through volcanic shirasu formationsI'm doing it.
In this process, underground mineral components (sodium ions, bicarbonate ions, etc.)
Blends naturally into water,Stable ion balance not found in electrolyzed waterform.
🔬 Scientific facts:
While the pH of electrolyzed water tends to change over time,
The pH of hot spring water 99 remains stable even after sampling, and has a natural buffering effect.
④ “Easy to drink” created by ultra-soft water (hardness 1.7)
The "hardness" of water is mainly determined by the content of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
According to WHO (World Health Organization) standards,
Hardness of less than 60 is classified as "soft water" and water of 120 or more is classified as "hard water."
The hardness of hot spring water 99 is 1.7. This is classified as "super soft water".
Soft water has less mineral content, so
-
There is no bitterness or metallic taste, and the taste is mellow.
-
It is easy to drink for everyone from babies to the elderly as it is less irritating to the stomach and intestines.
It has the following characteristics.
However,Expressions such as "fast absorption" and "small clusters" have no scientific basis.
The molecular structure of water is constantly changing dynamically, and there are no observed differences in absorption rate due to differences in cluster size.
(Reference: Science magazine, 2014; J. Phys. Chem., 2004)
💧 Scientific perspective:
Super soft water is evaluated not for its absorption speed but for its ``low mineral burden'' and ``gentle taste.''
⑤ “Achieving both safety and quality” through high temperature sterilization
Hot spring water 99 is not "non-heated filling",High temperature sterilization treatmentWe are doing
This is a process based on the Food Sanitation Act to stabilize water quality while eliminating microbial risks.
The pH and mineral balance remain unchanged even after sterilization.
It combines natural flavor and safety.
✅ Scientific facts:
High temperature sterilization is the most reliable method to kill microorganisms in water.
It also complies with international standards for long-term storage and export of natural water.
⑥ “Reason for kindness” proven by science
The “kindness” of Hot Spring Water 99 is not a feeling,
It is supported by three scientific elements: geology, chemistry, and hygiene.
| science elements | Content | effect |
|---|---|---|
| pH9.9 | Natural alkalinity (derived from bicarbonate ions) | Soothes stomach acid and restores balance |
| Hardness 1.7 | Super soft water (extremely low in Ca and Mg) | Soft in the mouth and easy to drink |
| Heat sterilization | High temperature treatment to ensure safety | Prevent microbial contamination and maintain quality |
| Geologically derived ions | Natural filter effect of Shirasu Plateau | stable mineral balance |
This water, created by the geology of Tarumi, Kagoshima,
It is a unique product that coexists with “natural alkali” and “scientific safety.”
"Onsen Water 99 Annex Science Series" provides factual and easy-to-understand explanations about the science, quality, and safety of water.
This article is part of the Onsen Water 99 Annex Science Series.
▶ What is alkaline ionized water? Using science to solve the problem of “friendly water” with a pH of 9.9
▶ What is super soft water? The science of “softness” created by a hardness of 1.7
▶ Science of high temperature sterilization and safety｜Delivering “drinkable hot springs” with peace of mind
▶ View the list of “Onsen Water 99 Annex Science Series” articles
