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Aluminum: Aluminum is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust and occurs in
many rocks and ores, but never as a pure metal. The presence of aluminum ions in streams may
result from industrial wastes, but is more likely to come from the wash water of drinking water
treatment plants. Many aluminum salts are readily soluble; however, there are some that are very
insoluble. Those that are insoluble will not exist long in surface water, but will precipitate and
settle out of solution. Waters containing high concentrations of aluminum can become toxic to aquatic life if the
pH is lowered (as in acid rain). |
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© 2007 Arizona Board of Regents for The University of Arizona |