Bicarbonates are chemical compounds that contain the bicarbonate ion, which is made up of one carbon atom, three oxygen atoms, and one hydrogen atom (HCO₃⁻). They play a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance in various environments, including the human body, where they help regulate acidity in the blood and other fluids. In nature, bicarbonates are commonly found in minerals and are often present in natural water sources. They can also be produced through the reaction of carbon dioxide with water, forming carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. Bicarbonates are important in processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.