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CHLORIDES
Chlorides are salts
resulting from the combination of the gas chlorine
with a metal. Some common chlorides include sodium
chloride (NaCl) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2).
Chlorine alone as Cl2 is highly toxic and it is
often used as a disinfectant. In combination with
a metal such as sodium it becomes essential for
life. Small amounts of chlorides are required
for normal cell functions in plant and animal
life. Chlorides are not usually harmful to people;
however, the sodium part of table salt has been
linked to heart and kidney disease. Sodium chloride
may impart a salty taste at 250 mg/L; however,
calcium or magnesium chloride are not usually
detected by taste until levels of 1000 mg/L are
reached.
Chlorides may get
into surface water from several sources including:
rocks containing chlorides; agricultural runoff;
wastewater from industries; oil well wastes; effluent
wastewater from wastewater treatment plants, and
road salting.
Chlorides can corrode
metals and affect the taste of food products.
Therefore, water that is used in industry or processed
for any use has a recommended maximum chloride
level. Chlorides can contaminate fresh water streams
and lakes.
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