What is the environmental implications of iron?

I need to know the implications of the...



Pollution problems with mining, processing and the use of the metal iron.



Also need precautions that are taken to minimize the risks.



WEBSITES PLEASE



and... LOTS of detail!



Thanks appreciated!!!!!!What is the environmental implications of iron?Common effects of excess iron in water are a reddish-brown color, stained laundry and poor tasting coffee. An equally common but less well understood problem is infestation of water supplies with iron bacteria. Iron bacteria are a natural part of the environment in Wisconsin and most other parts of the world. These microorganisms combine dissolved iron or manganese with oxygen and use it to form rust-colored deposits. In the process, the bacteria produce a brown slime that builds up on well screens, pipes, and plumbing fixtures.



Although there are both chemical and mechanical methods for treating iron bacteria problems, private well owners should expect to use the former until further study establishes the effectiveness of heat or other means to disinfect smaller wells. Since bacteria tend to build up again a few months after treatment, well owners should try to control rather than completely "cure" the problem.



http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg鈥?/a>



Effects of Iron on Human Health, Water Quality, and Distribution System Infrastructure

Iron is an essential mineral for human health in small concentrations (iron deficiency can lead to anemia). Unlike lead and copper, ingesting iron from drinking water is not directly associated with adverse health effects; although, trace impurities and microorganisms that are absorbed by iron solids may pose health concerns.



The effects associated with iron contamination can be grouped into two categories:



Aesthetic effects are undesirable tastes or odors. Iron in quantities greater than 0.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in drinking water can cause an unpleasant metallic taste and rusty color. Taste is a useful indicator of water quality even though taste-free water is not necessarily safe to drink. Taste is also an indicator of the effectiveness of different kinds of treatments that effectively remove iron from drinking water, such as water softening or reverse osmosis treatment systems. Elevated levels of iron in drinking water can also cause a rusty color that can stain laundry or household. Discolored water is one of the most frequent consumer complaints about drinking water.



Physical effects are damages to water equipment and reduced effectiveness of treatment for other contaminants that may present added costs to operations for water utilities. Corrosivity and staining related to corrosion not only affect the aesthetic quality of water, but may also result in distribution system problems. Among other things, corrosion of distribution system pipes can produce sediment or loose deposits that block water flow.



Corrosion and Metal Solubility Control

Control of corrosion and metal solubility is perhaps the single most cost-effective method for preventing iron contamination. Significant benefits include:



Reduction of contaminants at our taps

Cost savings by extending the useful life of water mains and service lines

Energy savings from transporting water more easily through smoother, non-corroded pipes

Reduced water losses resulting from leaking or broken mains or other plumbing

Corrosion control is used to manage the acidity, alkalinity, and other water qualities that affect pipes and equipment used to transport water. By controlling these factors, the chance of iron leaching into our water supply is reduced.



Conventional treatments can also be used to remove secondary contaminants, such as iron, from our drinking water. These treatments include coagulation/flocculation, filtration, aeration, and the use of granular activated carbon. Nonconventional treatments include distillation, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. However, these are fairly expensive technologies and may be impractical for smaller systems. Nontreatment options include blending water from the principal source with uncontaminated water from an alternative source.



http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_r鈥?/a>



Iron Ore Mining



There are two basic methods of mining iron ore. These are:

鈥?Surface mining or open-pit mining 鈥?Underground or shaft mining

To be competitive, iron mining must be done on a very large scale. Surface mining is the

preferred choice, although there are exceptions. Small, low-capacity mines have rapidly

disappeared.



In 2000, twelve iron ore production complexes with 12 mines, 10 concentration plants, and 10

pelletizing plants were operating in Minnesota, Michigan, and six other States. The mines

included eleven surface and one underground operation. Virtually all ore was concentrated

before shipment. Nine mines operated by five companies accounted for 99 percent of

production.

Iron ores often contain impurities, undesirable chemical components such as phosphorous,

sulfur, sodium, potassium (alkalis), alumina, silica and sometimes titanium. Other components

such as calcium and manganese, may be considered desirable, depending on the composition of

other raw materials used in the individual iron or stee