Iron and water quality

Iron: Iron is the fourth most abundant element, by weight, in the earth's crust. Natural waters contain variable amounts of iron depending on the geological area and other chemical components of the waterway. Iron in groundwater is normally present in the ferrous or bivalent form [Fe²⁺] which is soluble. It is easily oxidized to ferric iron [Fe³⁺] or insoluble iron upon exposure to air. This precipitate is orange-colored and often turns streams orange.

Environmental Impact: Iron is a trace element required by both plants and animals. It is also a vital part of the oxygen transport mechanism in the blood (hemoglobin) of all vertebrate and some invertebrate animals. Ferrous Fe²⁺ and ferric Fe³⁺ ions are the primary forms of concern in the aquatic environment, but other forms may be in either organic or inorganic wastewater streams. The ferrous form Fe²⁺can persist in water devoid of dissolved oxygen, and usually originates from groundwater or mines that are pumped or drained. Iron in domestic water supply systems stains laundry and porcelain and it appears to be more of a nuisance than a potential health hazard. Taste thresholds of iron in water are 0.1 mg/L for ferrous iron and 0.2 mg/L ferric iron, giving a bitter or astringent taste. Water to be used in industrial processes should contain less than 0.2 mg/L iron. Black or brown swamp waters may contain iron concentrations of several mg/L in the presence or absence of dissolved oxygen, but this iron form has little effect on aquatic life.

Criteria: The current aquatic life standard is less than 1.0 mg/L based on toxic effects.