Total boron
# Total boron

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

    $B_T$ = $[H_2BO−3]$ + $[H_3BO_3]$

where

* $B_T$ is the total boron concentration
* $[H_2BO−3]$ is the dihydrogen borate concentration
* $[H_3BO_3]$ 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.

