TABLE .1 CONTINUED
Constituent
or property Source or cause Effects
Sodium (Na) and Dissolved from practically all Large amounts, in combination with chloride, give a salty taste. Potassium (K) rocks and soils. Found also Moderate quantities have little effect on the usefulness of water for in ancient brines, sea water, most purposes. Sodium salts may cause foaming in steam boilers industrial brines, and sewage. and a high sodium content may limit the use of water for irrigation. fI
0
Bicarbonate (HCOS) Action of carbon dioxide in Bicarbonate and carbonate produce alkalinity. Bicarbonates of caland Carbonate (CO3) water on carbonate rocks such cium and magnesium decompose in steam boilers and hot water as limestone and dolomite, facilities to form scale and release corrosive carbon-dioxide gas.
In combination with calcium and magnesium, cause carbonate hardness.
Sulfate (SO4) Dissolved from rocks and soils Sulfate in water containing calcium forms hard scale in steam containing gypsum, iron sul- boilers. In large amounts, sulfate in combination with other ions 0 fides, and other sulfur com- gives bitter taste to water. Some calcium sulfate is considered bene- W pounds. Commonly present in ficial in the brewing process. USPHS (1962) drinking water stand- z mine waters and in some in- ards recommend that the sulfate content should not exceed 250 ppm. P dustrial wastes.
0
Chloride (Cl) Dissolved from rocks and In large amounts in combination with sodium, gives salty taste to soils. Present in sewage and drinking water. In large quantities, increases the corrosiveness of found in large amounts in an- water. USPHS (1962) drinking-water standards recommend that cient brines, sea water, and the chloride content should not exceed 250 ppm. industrial brines.