Emission, fate and effects of soluble silicates (waterglass) in the aquatic environment.
Soluble silicates, commercially known as waterglass, are among the largest volume synthetic chemicals in the world. Silicon from waterglass is rapidly transformed to the biologically active orthosilicic acid (referred to as dissolved silicate). This paper aims to assess the impact of waterglass on the aquatic environment in Western Europe. The emission to surface waters from the four most relevant application areas, household detergents, pulp and paper production, water and wastewater treatment, and soil stabilization, is estimated to be ca. 88-121 kton of SiO2 per year. This is a small fraction (<2%) of the estimated total amount of dissolved silicate transported by rivers to the oceans. Locally, increases in dissolved silicate concentration will decrease the ratios of N:Si and P:Si, which could influence phytoplankton species composition and favor the growth of diatoms over other groups of algae. Significant adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems are not expected.
van Dokkum
Henno P
HP
Department for Ecological Risk Studies, TNO Environment, Energy and Process Innovation, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB, Den Helder, The Netherlands. h.vandokkum@mep.tno.nl
Hulskotte
Ian H J
IH
Kramer
Kees J M
KJ
Wilmot
Joël
J
D003902:Detergents / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D017377:Diatoms / Q000254:growth & development; D017753:Ecosystem; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000254:growth & development; D005060:Europe; D010209:Paper; D011157:Population Dynamics; D017640:Silicates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
D003902:Detergents; D017640:Silicates; D014873:Water Pollutants