Zinc and water quality

Zinc: Zinc is found naturally in many rock-forming minerals. Because of its use in the vulcanization of rubber, it is generally found at higher levels near highways. It also may be present in industrial discharges. It is used to galvanize steel, and is found in batteries, plastics, wood preservatives, antiseptics and in rat and mouse poison (zinc phosphide).

Zinc is an essential element in the diet. It is not considered very toxic to humans or other organisms.

Criteria: Criteria for aquatic life has been set at less than 0.106 mg/L based on hardness of 100 mg/L.

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