Evaluation of Military Field-Water Quality. Volume 2. Constituents of Military Concern from Natural and Anthropogenic Sources. Part 3. Inorganic Chemicals and Physical Properties
Abstract
In this report we identify those inorganic chemical constituents and physical properties of field-water supplies that can be present at levels that could degrade the performance of exposed military personnel. To identify these inorganic constituents and physical properties of most concern, we employed a screening methodology for comparing measured concentrations of inorganic chemicals in U.S. and foreign surface water and ground water against estimated threshold concentrations that might produce toxic and/or organoleptic effects in humans. In order to complement the results derived from the screening comparisons and identify the physical properties of most concern we examined the occurrence, toxicity, and organoleptic data contained in review literature addressing each substance of interest. This combination of screening and literature survey revealed that only arsenic, chloride, cyanide, magnesium, sulfate, total dissolved solids, and turbidity and color are likely to be of concern to military personnel consuming field water. Thus, only the inorganic substances and physical properties of water with field drinking-water-quality standards in current versions of military manuals pose potential health risks of significance to exposed troops. We also determined that, with the possible exception of cyanide, inorganic constituents of field water will not produce performance degrading health effects as a result of swimming, shower, or bathing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA241520
Entities
People
- David W. Layton
- J. M. Hirabayashi
- Jeffrey I. Daniels
- N. B. Crow
- Yvonne E. Ricker
Organizations
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory