Calcium and water quality
Calcium salts and calcium ions are among the most commonly occurring in nature. They may
result from the leaching of soil and other natural sources or may come from man-made sources
such as sewage and some industrial wastes. Calcium is usually one of the most important
contributors to hardness. Even though the human body requires approximately 0.7 to 2.0 grams
of calcium per day as a food element, excessive amounts can lead to the formation of kidney or
gallbladder stones. High concentrations of calcium can also be detrimental to some industrial
processes. Thus, both domestic and industrial water users have to consider calcium
concentrations. Calcium also serves an important role in the health of bodies of water. In natural
water it is known to reduce the toxicity of many chemical compounds on fish and other aquatic
life.
Criteria: No criteria exist for this metal.
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