Causes:
Calcium is naturally present in water. It may dissolve from rocks such as limestone, marble, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, fluorite and apatite. Calcium is present in various construction materials, such as cement, brick lime and concrete. It is present in batteries, and is applied in plaster as calcium sulphate. Elementary calcium reacts with water. Calcium compounds are more or less water soluble.
Effects:
Calcium is largely responsible for water hardness, and may negatively influence toxicity of other compounds. Water hardness influences aquatic organisms concerning metal toxicity. When one takes up large amounts of calcium this may negatively influence human health. Metallic calcium corrodes the skin when it comes in contact with skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
Remedial Measures:
Removing calcium ions from water is carried out by water softeners. These are ion exchangers that usually contain Na+ ions, which are released and substituted by Ca2+ ions. Calcium compounds may be applied for wastewater treatment. Drinking water pH and hardness may be altered by means of calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment