2019-2020 LAB Inorganic Water
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Aluminum is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It is generally found combined with other elements such as oxygen, silicon, and fluorine. Aluminum is used for beverage cans, pots and pans, airplanes, siding and roofing, and foil. It is also found in antacids, astringents, buffered aspirin, food additives, cosmetics, and antiperspirants.
What happens when Aluminum enters the environment?
Aluminum may be released into the environment through mining and processing of aluminum ores and the production of aluminum metal, alloys, and compounds. In air, aluminum particles settle to the ground or are washed out by rain. However, very small aluminum particles can stay in the air for many days. Most aluminum-containing compounds do not dissolve very well in water unless the water is acidic or very alkaline.
How can Aluminum affect my health?
Exposure to aluminum is usually not harmful, but exposure to high levels can affect your health. Breathing in aluminum, typically in work-related settings, may result lung problems, such as coughing or abnormal chest X-rays. Aluminum has not been shown to cause cancer in animals.
Where can I get more information on Aluminum?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Aluminum. Last Updated on March 12, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=190&tid=34#bookmark06
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Arsenic naturally exists in the Earth’s crust and can be found in sediments, soils, and groundwater. Arsenic may also be released into the environments via mining, ore smelting, and industrial use of the element.
What happens when Arsenic enters the environment?
In the environment, people can be exposed to arsenic in two chemical forms:
- Inorganic: Varying amounts of this poisonous (toxic forms) form can be found naturally in geologic materials (soils, rocks, aquifer materials) and in ground and surface water, which may also be impacted by mining and industrial wastes and arsenical pesticides).
- Organic (arsenic compounds that contain carbon): Varying amounts of this non-poisonous (low-toxicity) form can be found in sources such as animals, plants, fish and seafood. Fish and shellfish can accumulate arsenic; most of this arsenic is in an organic form called arsenobetaine that is much less harmful.
How can Arsenic affect my health?
Severe (acute) arsenic poisoning can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. This can be followed by numbness and tingling of the extremities, muscle cramping, and death in extreme cases. Ingesting or breathing low levels of inorganic arsenic for a long time (chronic) can cause non-cancer health effects, like a darkening of the skin and the appearance of small “warts” on the palms, soles, and torso. Other non-cancer health effects linked to long-term ingestion of arsenic include developmental effects, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. Ingestion of inorganic arsenic can increase the risk of skin cancer and cancer in the liver, bladder, and lungs. Inhalation of inorganic arsenic can cause increased risk of lung cancer.
Where can I get more information on Arsenic?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Arsenic. Last Updated on March 12, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=19&tid=3
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Barium is a silvery-white metal and combines with other chemicals such as sulfur or carbon and oxygen to form barium compounds. Barium compounds are used by the oil and gas industries to make drilling muds. They are also used to make paint, bricks, ceramics, glass, and rubber. Barium sulfate is sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests and to take x-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.
What happens when Barium enters the environment?
Barium gets into the air during the mining, refining, and production of barium compounds, and from the burning of coal and oil. The length of time that barium will last in air, land, water, or sediments depends on the form of barium released. Barium compounds, such as barium sulfate and barium carbonate, which do not dissolve well in water, can last a long time in the environment. Fish and aquatic organisms can accumulate barium.
How can Barium affect my health?
People with the greatest known risk of exposure to high levels of barium are those working in industries that make or use barium compounds. Exposure near hazardous waste sites may occur by breathing dust, eating soil or plants, skin contact, or drinking water that is polluted with barium. Some people who eat or drink amounts of barium above background levels found in food and water for a short period may experience vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, difficulties in breathing, increased or decreased blood pressure, numbness around the face, and muscle weakness. When barium is ingested, it is not likely to cause cancer in humans. There is not enough information to determine if it will cause cancer in humans when inhaled.
Where can I get more information on Barium?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Barium. Last Updated on July 27, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=326&tid=57
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Beryllium is found in minerals, rocks, coal, soil, and volcanic dust. Beryllium compounds are commercially mined, and purified for use in nuclear weapons and reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, x-ray machines, and mirrors. Beryllium ores are used to make specialty ceramics for electrical and high-technology applications. Beryllium alloys are used in automobiles, computers, sports equipment (golf clubs and bicycle frames), and dental bridges.
What happens when Beryllium enters the environment?
Beryllium dust enters the air from burning coal and oil. It enters water from erosion of rocks and soil, and from industrial waste. Some beryllium compounds will dissolve in water, but most stick to particles and settle to the bottom. Most beryllium in soil does not dissolve in water and remains bound to soil. Beryllium does not accumulate in the food chain.
How can Beryllium affect my health?
Beryllium can be harmful if you breathe it. People working in industries where beryllium is mined, processed, machined, or converted into metal, alloys, and other chemicals may be exposed to high levels of beryllium. People living near these industries or near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites may also be exposed to higher than normal levels of beryllium in air. Beryllium and beryllium compounds can cause cancer in humans.
Where can I get more information on Beryllium?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Beryllium. Last Updated on June 3, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=184&tid=33
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Cadmium is found in the Earth’s crust. Most cadmium used in the U.S. is extracted as a byproduct during the production of other metals such as zinc, lead, or copper. Cadmium is also recovered from used batteries. Cadmium is used for the following: batteries, pigments, coatings and platings, stabilizers for plastics, photovoltaic (solar power materials) devices, and other uses.
What happens when Cadmium enters the environment?
Cadmium is emitted to soil, water, and air by metal mining and refining, manufacture and application of phosphate fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, and waste incineration and disposal. Generally, cadmium binds strongly to organic matter where it can stay in soil and be taken up by plant life, eventually entering the food supply.
How can Cadmium affect my health?
Cigarette smoking is a major exposure route to cadmium. Tobacco may have been grown in contaminated soils, or pesticides/fungicides or additives were applied during the growing and manufacturing process.Exposure to cadmium can occur through breathing contaminated workplace air, drinking contaminated water, or living near industrial facilities that release cadmium into the air. Eating food or drinking water with very high levels severely irritates the stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to lower levels of cadmium in air, food, or water leads to a buildup of cadmium in the kidneys and possible kidney disease. Other long-term effects include lung damage and fragile bones. Low levels of cadmium are found in all foods (highest levels are found in shellfish, liver, and kidney meats). In the U.S., for nonsmokers the primary source of cadmium exposure is from the food supply. Breathing high levels of cadmium can severely damage the lungs. Cadmium and cadmium compounds are known to cause cancer in humans.
Where can I get more information on Cadmium?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Cadmium. Last Updated on March 12, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=47&tid=15
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Chromium is a naturally-occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, and soil, where it exists in combination with other elements to form various compounds. The three main forms of chromium are: chromium(0), chromium(III), and chromium(VI). Small amounts of chromium(III) are needed for human health. Chromium(VI) is known to be highly toxic, when compared to Cr-III. Chromium is widely used in manufacturing processes to make various metal alloys such as stainless steel
What happens when Chromium enters the environment?
Chromium can be found in air, soil, and water after release from industries that use chromium, such as industries involved in electroplating, leather tanning, textile production, and the manufacture of chromium-based products. Chromium can also be released into the environment from the burning of natural gas, oil, or coal. Chromium does not usually remain in the atmosphere, but is deposited into the soil and water.
How can Chromium affect my health?
The highest potential human exposure occurs in the metallurgy and tanning industries where workers may be exposed to high air concentrations. Inhalation of chromium compounds can result in irritation of the nasal passages, breathing problems, and other upper respiratory conditions. Chromium(VI) has the potential to affect the male reproductive system and/or the small intestine, and chromium(VI) compounds are known to cause cancer in humans.
Where can I get more information on Chromium?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Chromium. Last Updated on September 28, 2016.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=61&tid=17
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Copper is a metal that occurs naturally throughout the environment, in rocks, soil, water, and air. Copper is an essential element in plants, animals, and humans, which means it is necessary for us to live. Copper is used to make many different kinds of products like wire, cars, plumbing pipes, and sheet metal. Copper is also combined with other metals to make brass and bronze pipes and faucets. Copper compounds are commonly used in agriculture to treat plant diseases like mildew, for water treatment and, as preservatives for wood, leather, and fabrics.
What happens when Copper enters the environment?
Copper is released into the environment by mining, farming, and manufacturing operations and through waste water releases into rivers and lakes. Copper is also released from natural sources, like volcanoes, windblown dusts, decaying vegetation, and forest fires. Copper released into the environment usually attaches to particles made of organic matter, clay, soil, or sand.
How can Copper affect my health?
Copper is essential for good health, but high levels of copper can be harmful. You may be exposed to copper by ingesting copper-containing fungicides or if you live near or work in a copper mine. Breathing high levels of copper can cause irritation of your nose and throat. Ingesting high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Very-high doses of copper can cause damage to your liver and kidneys, and can even cause death.
Where can I get more information on Copper?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Chromium. Last Updated on September 28, 2016.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=204&tid=37
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Lead is a metal in the Earth’s crust that is normally found with other metals such as zinc, silver, and copper. Lead has many uses including manufacturing of paints, batteries, and fishing weights. Lead-based solder, which had been used to connect copper water pipes, was banned in the 1980s, but may still be a source of lead in drinking water in older homes. In the United States, lead was used as a gasoline additive, but was banned beginning in 1973 and eliminated by 1996.
What happens when Lead enters the environment?
Lead itself does not break down, but lead compounds are changed by sunlight, air, and water. When lead is released to the air, it may travel long distances before settling to the ground. Once lead falls onto soil, it usually sticks to soil particles. Ingestion (soil, food, water) is the main route of exposure in humans. Children are most impacted by lead exposure because they often put their hands and/or toys in their mouths. Pregnant women can also expose their unborn child to lead via ingestion. Adults can be exposed via lifestyle choices (e.g., cigarette smoking) or through their occupation (e.g., plumbing, soldering, manufacturing plants, construction/remodeling companies, smelters, and auto repair shops). There are other sources of potential lead exposure which include: paints, glazed clay pots, wine, food, leaded glass (crystal), stained glass, dyes, and home remedies (e.g., azarcon or greta used to treat digestive illness).
How can Lead affect my health?
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body, both in adults and children. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health. It can damage the brain and nervous system, slow growth and development, cause learning, behavior, hearing, and speech problems. It causes lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperformance in school. Lead exposure also causes small increases in blood pressure, particularly in middle-aged and older people and can cause anemia. In pregnant women, high levels of exposure to lead may cause miscarriage. High-level exposure in men can damage the organs responsible for sperm production.
Where can I get more information on Lead?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for Lead. Last Updated on August 24, 2016. www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=93&tid=22
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Manganese is naturally occurring and found in rocks and soils. Manganese does not occur as a pure metal in nature, instead it is typically bound to elements like oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine. Manganese is used to strengthen metal alloys and can be found in fireworks, fertilizers, cosmetics, etc.
What happens when Manganese enters the environment?
Manganese is naturally occurring in air, water, soil, and foods, but may also be released into the environment via manufacturing, and disposal of based products such as gasoline with manganese-additives. Manganese-containing additives can be broken down by sunlight.
How can Manganese affect my health?
Manganese is an essential nutrient, and eating a small amount of it each day is important to stay healthy.Manganese has the potential to cause lung irritation when inhaled. Manganese may also result in reproductive effects. Workers exposed to high levels of manganese have developed nervous system problems.
Where can I get more information on Manganese?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for manganese. Last Updated on January 21, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=100&tid=23
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Nickel is a natural element. Nickel can be combined with other metals and is used to make coins, jewelry, and items such as valves and heat exchangers. Most nickel is used to make stainless steel. Many nickel compounds dissolve fairly easy in water and have a green color. Nickel compounds are used for nickel plating, to color ceramics, to make some batteries, and as substances known as catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions.
What happens when Nickel enters the environment?
Nickel is released into the atmosphere by industries that make or use nickel, nickel alloys, or nickel compounds. Nickel is found in soil and is emitted from volcanoes. Nickel is also found in meteorites and on the ocean floor and It is also released into the atmosphere by oil-burning power plants, coal-burning power plants, and trash incinerators. In the air, it attaches to small particles of dust that settle to the ground or are taken out of the air in rain or snow; this usually takes many days. Nickel released in industrial waste-water ends up in soil or sediment where it strongly attaches to particles containing iron or manganese. Nickel does not appear to accumulate in fish or in other animals used as food.
How can Nickel affect my health?
You can be exposed to Nickel through food (major source of exposure), skin contact with soil, bath or shower water, metals containing nickel, smoking tobacco containing nickel, and by handling coins or touching jewelry containing nickel. The most common heath effect is an allergic reaction, usually a rash due to skin contact. People working in nickel refineries or nickel-processing plants have experienced chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function by breathing air containing nickel; however, such reactions are the result of breathing amounts of nickel much higher than levels found normally in the environment. Cancers of the lung and nasal sinus have resulted when workers breathed dust containing high levels of nickel compounds.
Where can I get more information on Nickel?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for nickel. Last Updated on January 21, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=243&tid=44
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Zinc is found in the Earth’s crust. Zn is commonly used as a coating for steel, iron, and other metals to prevent rusting. Zinc compounds are widely used to make paint, rubber, dyes, wood preservatives, and ointments.
What happens when Zinc enters the environment?
Some zinc is released into the environment by natural processes, but most comes from human activities like mining, steel production, coal burning, and burning of waste. It attaches to soil, sediments, and dust particles in the air. Rain and snow remove zinc dust particles from the air. Depending on the type of soil, some zinc compounds can move into the groundwater and into lakes, streams, and rivers. Most of the zinc in soil stays bound to soil particles and does not dissolve in water. It builds up in fish and other organisms, but it does not build up in plants.
How can Zinc affect my health?
Zinc is an essential element in our diet. Too little zinc can cause problems, but too much zinc is also harmful. People can be exposed to zinc by:
- Drinking contaminated water or a beverage that has been stored in metal containers or flows through pipes that have been coated with zinc to resist rust.
- Eating too many dietary supplements that contain zinc.
- Working in any of the following jobs: construction, painting, automobile mechanics, mining, smelting, and welding; manufacture of brass, bronze, or other zinc-containing alloys; manufacture of galvanized metals; and manufacture of machine parts, rubber, paint, linoleum, oilcloths, batteries, some kind of glass, ceramics, and dyes.
Where can I get more information on Zinc?
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQsTM for nickel. Last Updated on January 21, 2015.
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=300&tid=54
Important note: The use of SRB for assessment of contamination is very unique to this project. Though preliminary research suggests that SRB may be a strong indicator of fecal contamination, this has not been tested in harvested rainwater or in the American Southwest. In the third year of the project, we will compare the number of E. coli and Total Coliforms (for which there are standards) to the number of SRB (for which there are no standards) in each sample. We hope to discover that homeowners will be able to use a kit that identifies a non-pathogenic organism (SRB) to assess the quality of their harvested rainwater. This would be very exciting, given that at-home kits for microbial water quality assessment do not exist.
Results shown below the Method Limit of Detection (MLOD) were measured at a time when the instrument's ability to detect was better, which provided a lower MLOD than shown here.
Materials
