Arsenic, Uranium and Other Trace Elements, a Potential Concern in Drinking Wells

Feuer Frei! · 08-31-11, 09:23 AM

About 20% of untreated water samples from public, private, and monitoring wells across the nation contain concentrations of at least one trace element, such as arsenic, manganese and uranium, at levels of potential health concern, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey. "In public wells these contaminants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and contaminants are removed from the water before people drink it," said Joe Ayotte, USGS hydrologist and lead author on the study. "However, trace elements could be present in water from private wells at levels that are considered to pose a risk to human health, because they aren’t subject to regulations. In many cases people might not even know that they have an issue."

Trace elements in groundwater exceed human health benchmarks at a rate that far outpaces most other groundwater contaminants, such as nitrate, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most trace elements, including manganese and arsenic, get into the water through the natural process of rock weathering. Radon, derived from naturally occurring uranium in aquifers, also occurs frequently at high levels in groundwater. Human activities like mining, waste disposal, and construction also can contribute to trace elements in groundwater.

SOURCE

Rockstar · 08-31-11, 10:49 AM

Reminds me of Saturday Night Live 1977

Bottled Swill

Salesman.....Bill Murray, Salesman: [seated at lunch counter] As a salesman, I do a lot of traveling. And when it comes to lunch, I grab what I can, usually on the run. And when I want mineral water, I keep it simple, and I keep it domestic. [places bottle on counter] I drink Swill. The water that's dredged from Lake Erie.

[voice over video of Swill being dredged from Lake Erie]

Nothing's added to Swill. It comes straight from the Lake to you. Maybe you thought only European countries had mineral water, but let me tell you: we bottle some pretty special water right here in America.

[cut back to Salesman at lunch counter]

Yeah. America. Water with a character all its own. Swill's refreshing; it's low in calories; and Swill helps wash down a hearty meal like this that tends to just lay in your stomach. [pours runny ketchup on his hamburger]

[Music Over: "Anticipation" by Carly Simon]

[Plays as Swill slowly pours into Salesman's glass, complete with sludge, dirt and a flip-top from a soda can]

Salesman: I like mine with a twist. [squeezes a lime wedge into his glass of Swill]

Announcer: Swill. Everything you've always wanted in a mineral water. And more.

08-31-11, 09:23 AM	#1
Feuer Frei! Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Valhalla Posts: 5,295 Downloads: 141 Uploads: 17	Arsenic, Uranium and Other Trace Elements, a Potential Concern in Drinking Wells About 20% of untreated water samples from public, private, and monitoring wells across the nation contain concentrations of at least one trace element, such as arsenic, manganese and uranium, at levels of potential health concern, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey. "In public wells these contaminants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and contaminants are removed from the water before people drink it," said Joe Ayotte, USGS hydrologist and lead author on the study. "However, trace elements could be present in water from private wells at levels that are considered to pose a risk to human health, because they aren’t subject to regulations. In many cases people might not even know that they have an issue." Trace elements in groundwater exceed human health benchmarks at a rate that far outpaces most other groundwater contaminants, such as nitrate, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most trace elements, including manganese and arsenic, get into the water through the natural process of rock weathering. Radon, derived from naturally occurring uranium in aquifers, also occurs frequently at high levels in groundwater. Human activities like mining, waste disposal, and construction also can contribute to trace elements in groundwater. SOURCE __________________ "History is the lies that the victors agree on"- Napoleon LINK TO MY SH 3 MODS

08-31-11, 10:49 AM	#2
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Reminds me of Saturday Night Live 1977 Bottled Swill Salesman.....Bill Murray, Salesman: [seated at lunch counter] As a salesman, I do a lot of traveling. And when it comes to lunch, I grab what I can, usually on the run. And when I want mineral water, I keep it simple, and I keep it domestic. [places bottle on counter] I drink Swill. The water that's dredged from Lake Erie. [voice over video of Swill being dredged from Lake Erie] Nothing's added to Swill. It comes straight from the Lake to you. Maybe you thought only European countries had mineral water, but let me tell you: we bottle some pretty special water right here in America. [cut back to Salesman at lunch counter] Yeah. America. Water with a character all its own. Swill's refreshing; it's low in calories; and Swill helps wash down a hearty meal like this that tends to just lay in your stomach. [pours runny ketchup on his hamburger] [Music Over: "Anticipation" by Carly Simon] [Plays as Swill slowly pours into Salesman's glass, complete with sludge, dirt and a flip-top from a soda can] Salesman: I like mine with a twist. [squeezes a lime wedge into his glass of Swill] Announcer: Swill. Everything you've always wanted in a mineral water. And more.