It regulates extra cellular fluids, acid-base balance and membrane potential, partially together with potassium. It is a dietary mineral, partially responsible for nerve functions. Sodium is present in the human body in amounts of about 100 g.

What are the health effects of sodium in water? There are 13 instable sodium isotopes, which are mildly radioactive. Only one sodium isotope occurs naturally, namely the stable 23Na. Sodium hypo chlorite from sanitary cleansers may contribute to chlorinated hydrocarbon formation, and may therefore heavily charge wastewater. The LC 50 value for gold fish is 157 mg/L. Plants however hardly contain any sodium. Sodium chloride however is not a risk and is attributed water hazard class 1. Sodium is attributed water hazard class 2, in other words it is a risk when present in water. What are the environmental effects of sodium in water? The radioactive isotope 24Na is applied in medical research. In lamppost lights a small portion of sodium is often present in the neon lights, causing them to use fewer electricity. Using sodium metal, beryllium, thorium, titanium and zirconium can be extracted. In sanitary cleanser the element is present as sodium hypo chlorite. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a constituent of backing powder, and is applied in textile and leather industries and in soap and cleanser production. Sodium hydroxide may be applied to prevent clogging of sewer pipes, and sodium carbonate is applied in water purification to neutralize acids. The remainder is applied for example as brine in winter. Sodium nitrate is often applied as a synthetic fertilizer.Ībout 60% of sodium is utilized in chemical industries, where it is converted to chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, and about 20% of sodium is utilized in food industries as a preservative or a flavouring agent. They are applied in metallurgy, and as a cooling agent in nuclear reactors. Sodium compounds serve many different industrial purposes, and may also end up in water from industries. Concentrations however are much lower, depending on geological conditions and wastewater contamination. Not only seas, but also rivers and lakes contain significant amounts of sodium. As was mentioned earlier, sodium stems from rocks and soils. Sodium compounds naturally end up in water. Sodium carbonate (Na 2CO 3) is also adequately water soluble. Solubility is nearly temperature independent. At 20 oC solubility is 359 g/L, in other words adequately water soluble. De most familiar sodium compounds is sodium chloride (NaCl), otherwise known as kitchen salt. Solubility of sodium and sodium compoundsĪ number of examples of water solubility of sodium are available. Hydrogen gas released during the burning process reacts strongly with oxygen in the air.Ī number of sodium compounds do not react as strongly with water, but are strongly water soluble. Sodium metal is heated and may ignite and burn with a characteristic orange flame. In what way and in what form does sodium react with water?Įlementary sodium reacts strongly with water, according to the following reaction mechanism:Ī colourless solution is formed, consisting of strongly alkalic sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and hydrogen gas. In soluble form sodium always occurs as Na + ions. This value is clearly higher for mineral water. Rivers contain only about 9 ppm.ĭrinking water usually contains about 50 mg/L sodium. Seawater contains approximately 11,000 ppm sodium. Sodium (Na) and water Sodium and water: reaction mechanisms, environmental impact and health effects For billions of years sodium is washed out from rocks and soils, ending up in oceans, where it may remain for about 50. Separation and Concentration Purification Request.Plant Inspection & Process Optimalisation.

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