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Pollution by Metals and Metalloids. Irina Cech, PhD.
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Pollution by Metals and Metalloids Irina Cech, PhD
The elements that we may want to look for in the effluents and receiving waters include the array of EPA Method 200.8 metals (including Hg) and five mineral elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, and Fe). The following metals and metalloids are selected as of potential interest in your research: Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, Pb, Bi, Th, W, U. Given the documented toxicity, some metals on this list are termed “RCRA heavy metals” and they have specific concentration limits pursuant to the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These metals and metalloids include Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Selenium (Se), and Silver (Ag). Other heavy metals such as Aluminum (Al), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) are not RCRA metals because they have not shown human toxicity to the same degree. However, they can be toxic to aquatic organisms and in some situations to humans. Other contaminants on this list are components of bio-fuels, petrochemical diesel, and substances that could be found during oil processing. The latter are catalyst residues (Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K), Sulfur (S), catalyst elements (such as Lead, Vanadium, and Mercury), and fuel additives (such as Manganese, Chromium, Iron, and Nickel products). Still other metals on this list are indicative of the presence of radioisotopes in the aquatic environment (i.e. Strontium (Sr), Thorium (Th), and Uranium (U)).
The Effect of Aluminum in Formation of Neurofibrillary Tangles • Studies associated ALUMINUM in tap water with neuro-skeletal developmental disorders and cognitive impairments in the elderly. • Whether or not aluminum in drinking water is, indeed, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease has not been resolved.