Manganese Essay

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Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral comprising approximately 0.1 % of the earth’s crust. It is found in many salts and mineral complexes that are widely distributed in rocks, soils and on the floors of lakes and oceans. For aquatic systems the manganous (Mn2+) and manganic (Mn4+) oxidation states of manganese are the most significant. The element dissolves in the water of some underground aquifers when it is present in the geological layers within the aquifer. As a result, since groundwater contains manganese, it is present in well water distribution systems and drinking water supplies. A typical concentration for manganese found in groundwater is 2 mg/L (2 ppm). Manganese is generally present in natural surface waters, in dissolved or suspended form, at much lower concentrations than in groundwater (below 0.05 mg/L). The fact that it is more prevalent in groundwater supplies rather than in drinking water sources is attributed to the reducing conditions that exist in the subsurface. Some lakes and reservoirs also contain high manganese concentrations due to acidic pollution.
1.2 Impact on water quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulated a maximum contaminant level for manganese, not because this mineral is considered to be a health hazard, but essentially due to aesthetic concerns such as staining effects, taste and discoloration. The recommended concentration limit for manganese in drinking water is 0.05 mg/L, set as the aesthetic objective (Health Canada, 2009). The presence of manganese in drinking water at high levels is undesirable, as it is associated with a series of problems. At concentrations higher than 0.15 mg/L, manganese stains plumbing fixtures and laundry. In addition, it causes und...

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...anganese levels include hypertension, psychiatric illnesses, mental confusion, impaired memory, loss of appetite and neurological problems. Well water containing a high manganese content can lead to excessive manganese intake and increased bacterial growth (Blaurock-Busch, 2002). Except for one isolated incident, which still remains unclear, manganese intoxication due to drinking water has not been recorded. In 1941 in Japan, the cause of a disease similar to encephalitis was attributed to well water with a high manganese concentration of 14 mg/L. However, other metals like zinc were also present in excessive concentrations and it was never confirmed whether the high level of manganese was, on its own, responsible for causing the disease. Regarding the acceptable daily intake, no adverse health effects were noted in humans with the following daily manganese intakes:

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