DOCSLIB.ORG

Mercury Use: Chemical Manufacturers/Users

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Mercury Use: Chemical Manufacturers/Users 210 DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: CHEMICAL ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ MERCURY USE: Table of Contents About This Handout ........................... 211 CHEMICAL Why Should I Be Concerned About Mercury? ............................................. 212 MANUFACTURERS/USERS Keeping Mercury Out of Wastewater . 214 Sewer Pipes ......................................... 214 Mercury compounds are used in a wide variety of settings by chemical Mercury-Containing Compounds ...... 214 Work by the MPCA ............................. 214 manufacturers. Chemical uses of mercury may occur in catalysts, Mercury-Containing Chemicals and cosmetics, explosives, fireworks, livestock and poultry remedies, Alternatives ......................................... 215 packaging, pharmaceuticals, pigments and dyes, poisons, preservatives, Work by The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority ............................ 215 and special paper coatings. Commonly used mercury compounds include Results from 75 Priority Samples ...... 216 mercuric oxide (cathode material in batteries), mercuric chloride Caustic Soda ....................................... 217 (pharmaceuticals), phenylmercuric acetate (used in paints and Case study: Potlatch Corporation ..... 219 pharmaceuticals) mercuric sulfide (used in red pigment and other Action Ideas to Consider .................... 220 pharmaceuticals), and thimerosal (contact lens solutions) [ross and Bibliography ....................................... 220 associates]. Most of the mercury- containing products listed above will be covered in specific sector listings (eg., livestock remedies will be detailed in the “Veterinary Clinic” section; pharmaceutical uses will be covered in the “Hospital and Clinic” section or in the “Household Uses” section; the “Laboratory” section will provide information about laboratory reagents. This chapter will discuss the use of mercury-containing compounds by the chemical industry, or industries that may use caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) in their facility. ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: CHEMICAL 211 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ ABOUT THIS HANDOUT This is one chapter of the “Wisconsin Mercury SourceBook.” The Sourcebook was written as a guide for communities to help identify and reduce the purposeful use of mercury. The SourceBook contains background information on mercury contamination and provides a seven- step outline for drafting a mercury reduction plan. This handout is one of the nineteen sectors that were highlighted in the SourceBook as a potential contributor of mercury in any given community. What you will find in this handout: « Information on mercury-containing products and that are unique to the chemical industry « Information on mercury-containing products that are found both in the chemical industry and in a wide variety of other sectors (e.g., fluorescent lamps, switches) « Case studies that describe the source substitution experiences of businesses in the chemical industry « Action ideas that describe pollution prevention, recycling, and management practices for a mercury reduction plan for a business in the chemical industry. This provides a good overview of the types of mercury-containing products and alternatives that may exist in the chemical industry. « Current mercury projects in the chemical industry For more information, please contact: 212 DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: CHEMICAL ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MERCURY? HEALTH EFFECTS OF ELEMENTAL MERCURY Some of you may remember playing with mercury when you were a The toxicity of mercury has long child. Its silvery white shimmer was entrancing, and the ability of its been known to humans. Hat glistening mass to split and come back together again was magical. But makers during the 19th century scientists are now beginning to realize that there is another side to developed symptoms of shaking mercury’s wily nature. In fact, it is some of mercury’s most elemental and slurring of speech from qualities that make it a difficult substance to handle. exposure to large amounts of inorganic mercury, which was Mercury is a common element that is found naturally in a free state or used to give a metallic sheen to mixed in ores. It also may be present in rocks or released during volcanic felt hats. This gave rise to the term activity. However, most of the mercury that enters the environment in “mad as a hatter.” Wisconsin comes from human uses. The hat makers were suffering Because mercury is very dense, expands and contracts evenly with from neurological damage from temperature changes, and has high electrical conductivity, it has been the inhalation of mercury fumes. used in thousands of industrial, agricultural, medical, and household Exposure to elemental mercury applications. vapors can cause acute respiratory problems, which are followed by It is estimated that half of the anthropogenic mercury releases in neurologic disturbances and Wisconsin are the result of the purposeful use of mercury. The other half general systemic effects. Acute of mercury emissions originate from energy production. exposure to inorganic mercury by ingestion may also cause Major uses of mercury include dental amalgams, tilt switches, gastrointestinal disturbances and thermometers, lamps, pigments, batteries, reagents, and barometers. may effect the kidneys. When these products are thrown in the trash or flushed down a drain, the mercury doesn’t go away. ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ SO WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL? The good news is that the majority eliminate the use of mercury in of products that use mercury certain waste streams. This is Mercury is a bioaccumulative, purposefully have acceptable especially beneficial considering persistent, toxic substance that alternatives. For example, electric the volatile nature of mercury, threatens the health of humans vacuum gages, expansion or because mercury can so easily and wildlife throughout North aneroid monitors are good transfer from air to soil to water. America. The USEPA, Environment Canada, the alternatives to mercury blood International Joint Commission, pressure monitors. Mechanical Practicing source reduction in the Commission for switches, magnetic dry reed combination with recycling the Environmental Cooperation and switches, and optic sensors can mercury already in the waste many state and provincial replace mercury tilt switches. stream can have a significant governments have identified impact on reducing mercury levels mercury as one of the most Replacing mercury-laden products in the environment. critical pollutants for significant with less toxic alternatives is elimination and/or reduction. referred to as source reduction. Source reduction allows us to DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: CHEMICAL 213 ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ Mercury Transport and Bioaccumulation Mercury Direct Air Emissions Solid Waste Disposal Incineration Sludge Land Disposal Wastewater Disposal Methyl Mercury Mercury can enter the environment from a number of paths. For example, if a mercury-containing item is thrown into the garbage, the mercury may be released into the atmosphere from landfill vapors or leachate, or the mercury Fish Consumption may vaporize if the trash is incinerated. If mercury is flushed through a Advisories wastewater system, the mercury will likely adhere to the wastewater sludge, where it has the potential to volatilize and be deposited elsewhere. Mercury There are currently 260 lakes can enter the atmosphere through these various means because it evaporates and more than 350 miles of easily. It then travels through the atmosphere in a vaporized state. rivers in Wisconsin that have Once mercury is deposited into lakes and streams, bacteria convert some of the fish consumption advisories mercury into an organic form called methylmercury. This is the form of mercury because of mercury. that humans and other animals ingest when they eat some types of fish. Approximately 1 out every 3 Methylmercury is particularly dangerous because it bioaccumulates in the sites that is tested is listed on environment. Bioaccumulation occurs when the methylmercury in fish tissue the advisory; no sites have concentrates as larger fish eat smaller fish. A 22-inch Northern Pike weighing ever been removed. Forty- two pounds can have a mercury concentration as much as 225,000 times as high eight states now issue fish as the surrounding water. consumption advisories to These concentrations are significant when one considers the potential toxic protect human health. Most of effects of methylmercury. Methylmercury interferes with the nervous system of these warnings are related to the human body and can result in a decreased ability to walk, talk, see, and hear. mercury contamination. In extreme examples, high levels of methylmercury consumption has resulted in coma or death. Many animals that eat fish also accumulate methylmercury. Mink, otters, and loons in Wisconsin have been found to have high levels of mercury in their tissue. Mercury can interfere with an animal’s ability to reproduce, and lead to weight loss, or early death. 214 DRAFT WISCONSIN MERCURY SOURCEBOOK: CHEMICAL ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ Keeping Mercury Sewer Pipes The difficulty of identifying which Out of chemicals and reagents contain Mercury was used extensively in mercury is compounded
Load more

Recommended publications
  • History of the Chlor-Alkali Industry
    2 History of the Chlor-Alkali Industry During the last half of the 19th century, chlorine, used almost exclusively in the textile and paper industry, was made [1] by reacting manganese dioxide with hydrochloric acid 100–110◦C MnO2 + 4HCl −−−−−−→ MnCl2 + Cl2 + 2H2O (1) Recycling of manganese improved the overall process economics, and the process became known as the Weldon process [2]. In the 1860s, the Deacon process, which generated chlorine by direct catalytic oxidation of hydrochloric acid with air according to Eq. (2) was developed [3]. ◦ 450–460 C;CuCl2 cat. 4HCl + O2(air) −−−−−−−−−−−−−−→ 2Cl2 + 2H2O(2) The HCl required for reactions (1) and (2) was available from the manufacture of soda ash by the LeBlanc process [4,5]. H2SO4 + 2NaCl → Na2SO4 + 2HCl (3) Na2SO4 + CaCO3 + 2C → Na2CO3 + CaS + 2CO2 (4) Utilization of HCl from reaction (3) eliminated the major water and air pollution problems of the LeBlanc process and allowed the generation of chlorine. By 1900, the Weldon and Deacon processes generated enough chlorine for the production of about 150,000 tons per year of bleaching powder in England alone [6]. An important discovery during this period was the fact that steel is immune to attack by dry chlorine [7]. This permitted the first commercial production and distribu- tion of dry liquid chlorine by Badische Anilin-und-Soda Fabrik (BASF) of Germany in 1888 [8,9]. This technology, using H2SO4 for drying followed by compression of the gas and condensation by cooling, is much the same as is currently practiced. 17 “chap02” — 2005/5/2 — 09Brie:49 — page 17 — #1 18 CHAPTER 2 In the latter part of the 19th century, the Solvay process for caustic soda began to replace the LeBlanc process.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Chlor-Alkali Manufacturing Industry December 2001
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Chlor-Alkali Manufacturing industry December 2001 Executive summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This reference document on best available techniques in the chlor-alkali industry reflects an information exchange carried out according to Article 16(2) of Council Directive 96/61/EC. The document has to be seen in the light of the preface which describes the objectives of the document and its use. The chlor-alkali industry The chlor-alkali industry is the industry that produces chlorine (Cl2) and alkali, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), by electrolysis of a salt solution. The main technologies applied for chlor-alkali production are mercury, diaphragm and membrane cell electrolysis, mainly using sodium chloride (NaCl) as feed or to a lesser extent using potassium chloride (KCl) for the production of potassium hydroxide. The diaphragm cell process (Griesheim cell, 1885) and the mercury cell process (Castner- Kellner cell, 1892) were both introduced in the late 1800s. The membrane cell process was developed much more recently (1970). Each of these processes represents a different method of keeping the chlorine produced at the anode separate from the caustic soda and hydrogen produced, directly or indirectly, at the cathode. Currently, 95% of world chlorine production is obtained by the chlor-alkali process. The geographic distribution of chlor-alkali processes world-wide differs appreciably (production capacity of chlorine): - western Europe, predominance of mercury cell process (June 2000): 55% - United States, predominance of diaphragm cell process: 75% - Japan, predominance of membrane cell process: >90% The remaining chlorine production capacity in western Europe consists of (June 2000) diaphragm cell process 22%, membrane cell process 20% and other processes 3%.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Protection Agency
    Friday, December 19, 2003 Part II Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 63 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury Emissions from Mercury Cell Chlor-Alkali Plants; Final Rule VerDate jul<14>2003 15:14 Dec 18, 2003 Jkt 203001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\19DER2.SGM 19DER2 70904 Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 244 / Friday, December 19, 2003 / Rules and Regulations ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION types of sources (usually in the Information or other information whose AGENCY elemental or inorganic forms) transports disclosure is restricted by statute. through the atmosphere and eventually The official public docket is the 40 CFR Part 63 deposits onto land or water bodies. collection of materials that is available [OAR–2002–0017; FRL–7551–5] When mercury is deposited to surface for public viewing. The EPA Docket waters, natural processes (bacterial) can RIN 2060–AE85 Center Public Reading Room is open transform some of the mercury into from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday methylmercury that accumulates in fish. through Friday, excluding legal National Emission Standards for Ingestion is the primary exposure route Hazardous Air Pollutants: Mercury holidays. The telephone number for the of interest for methylmercury. The Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and Emissions From Mercury Cell Chlor- health effect of greatest concern due to Alkali Plants the telephone number for the Air Docket methylmercury is neurotoxicity, is (202) 566–1742. AGENCY: Environmental Protection particularly with respect to fetuses and Agency (EPA). young children. Electronic Docket Access. You may access the final rule electronically ACTION: Final rule.
    [Show full text]
  • Suppression Mechanisms of Alkali Metal Compounds
    SUPPRESSION MECHANISMS OF ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS Bradley A. Williams and James W. Fleming Chemistry Division, Code 61x5 US Naval Research Lnhoratory Washington, DC 20375-5342, USA INTRODUCTION Alkali metal compounds, particularly those of sodium and potassium, are widely used as fire suppressants. Of particular note is that small NuHCOi particles have been found to be 2-4 times more effective by mass than Halon 1301 in extinguishing both eountertlow flames [ I] and cup- burner flames [?]. Furthermore, studies in our laboratory have found that potassium bicarbonate is some 2.5 times more efficient by weight at suppression than sodium bicarhonatc. The primary limitation associated with the use of alkali metal compounds is dispersal. since all known compounds have very low volatility and must he delivered to the fire either as powders or in (usually aqueous) solution. Although powders based on alkali metals have been used for many years, their mode of effective- ness has not generally been agreed upon. Thermal effects [3],namely, the vaporization of the particles as well as radiative energy transfer out of the flame. and both homogeneous (gas phase) and heterogeneous (surface) chemistry have been postulated as mechanisms by which alkali metals suppress fires [4]. Complicating these issues is the fact that for powders, particle size and morphology have been found to affect the suppression properties significantly [I]. In addition to sodium and potassium, other alkali metals have been studied, albeit to a consider- ably lesser extent. The general finding is that the suppression effectiveness increases with atomic weight: potassium is more effective than sodium, which is in turn more effective than lithium [4].
    [Show full text]
  • Optimization of Electrolysis Parameters for Green Sanitation Chemicals Production Using Response Surface Methodology
    processes Article Optimization of Electrolysis Parameters for Green Sanitation Chemicals Production Using Response Surface Methodology Nurul Izzah Khalid 1 , Nurul Shaqirah Sulaiman 1 , Norashikin Ab Aziz 1,2,* , Farah Saleena Taip 1, Shafreeza Sobri 3 and Nor-Khaizura Mahmud Ab Rashid 4 1 Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; [email protected] (N.I.K.); [email protected] (N.S.S.); [email protected] (F.S.T.) 2 Halal Products Research Institute, University Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia 3 Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; [email protected] 4 Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +603-9769-4302 Received: 22 May 2020; Accepted: 10 June 2020; Published: 6 July 2020 Abstract: Electrolyzed water (EW) shows great potential as a green and economical sanitation solution for the food industry. However, only limited studies have investigated the optimum electrolysis parameters and the bactericidal effect of acidic electrolyzed water (AcEW) and alkaline electrolyzed water (AlEW). Here, the Box–Behnken experimental design was used to identify the optimum parameters. The tests were conducted with different types of electrodes, electrical voltages, electrolysis times, and NaCl concentrations. There were no obvious differences observed in the physico-chemical properties of EW when different electrodes were used. However, stainless steel was chosen as it meets most of the selection criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Sodium Aluminium Silicate (Tentative)
    SODIUM ALUMINIUM SILICATE (TENTATIVE) th Prepared at the 80 JECFA and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 17 (2015), superseding tentative specifications prepared at the 77th JECFA (2013) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 14 (2013). An ADI 'not specified' for silicon dioxide and certain silicates was established at the 29th JECFA (1985). A PTWI of 2 mg/kg bw for total aluminium was established at the 74th JECFA (2011). The PTWI applies to all aluminium compounds in food, including food additives. Information required: Functional uses other than anticaking agent, if any, and information on the types of products in which it is used and the use levels in these products Data on solubility using the procedure documented in the “Compendium of Food Additives Specifications, Vol. 4, Analytical methods” Data on the impurities soluble in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid, from a minimum of five batches. If a different extraction and determination method is used, provide data along with details of method and QC data. Suitability of the analytical method for the determination of aluminium, silicon and sodium using the proposed “Method of assay” along with data, from a minimum of five batches, using the proposed method. If a different method is used, provide data along with details of the method and QC data. SYNONYMS Sodium silicoaluminate; sodium aluminosilicate; aluminium sodium silicate; silicic acid, aluminium sodium salt; INS No. 554 DEFINITION Sodium aluminium silicate is a series of amorphous hydrated sodium aluminium silicates with varying proportions of Na2O, Al2O3 and SiO2. It is manufactured by, precipitation process, reacting aluminium sulphate and sodium silicate.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Chlor-Alkali Manufact
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Chlor-Alkali Manufacturing Industry December 2001 i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This reference document on best available techniques in the chlor-alkali industry reflects an information exchange carried out according to Article 16(2) of Council Directive 96/61/EC. The document has to be seen in the light of the preface which describes the objectives of the document and its use. The chlor-alkali industry The chlor-alkali industry is the industry that produces chlorine (Cl2) and alkali, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), by electrolysis of a salt solution. The main technologies applied for chlor-alkali production are mercury, diaphragm and membrane cell electrolysis, mainly using sodium chloride (NaCl) as feed or to a lesser extent using potassium chloride (KCl) for the production of potassium hydroxide. The diaphragm cell process (Griesheim cell, 1885) and the mercury cell process (Castner- Kellner cell, 1892) were both introduced in the late 1800s. The membrane cell process was developed much more recently (1970). Each of these processes represents a different method of keeping the chlorine produced at the anode separate from the caustic soda and hydrogen produced, directly or indirectly, at the cathode. Currently, 95% of world chlorine production is obtained by the chlor-alkali process. The geographic distribution of chlor-alkali processes world-wide differs appreciably (production capacity of chlorine): - western Europe, predominance of mercury cell process (June 2000): 55% - United States, predominance of diaphragm cell process: 75% - Japan, predominance of membrane cell process: >90% The remaining chlorine production capacity in western Europe consists of (June 2000) diaphragm cell process 22%, membrane cell process 20% and other processes 3%.
    [Show full text]
  • Mercury Fact Sheet
    National Mercury Testing Program The Rise of Mercury Pollution its way into our lakes and rivers. Once in the water, toxic mercury is absorbed through the fat and muscle tissue of There is growing concern and scientific evidence that many animals like fish. Americans are being exposed to harmful levels of mercury pollution. However, the Bush administration is failing to Most people are exposed to mercury by consuming the polluted protect Americans from this dangerous toxin. Instead, the fish. As a result, federal and state governments warn people to administration has proposed to delay for 10 to 20 years and limit the consumption of certain species of fish and fish caught weaken the first national law that would clean up mercury from in waters that are contaminated with mercury. power plants, the single largest source of mercury in the country. This is in stark contrast from what was originally People that work in industries that regularly handle mercury proposed and what is achievable now, even by the (dentistry, thermometer production) or deal with high level of Environmental Protection Agencys own previous analysis: a mercury emissions (electricity generation primarily through coal, chlorine production through chlor-akali facilities, 90 percent reduction in mercury pollution by 2008. insecticides, etc.) are also at an increased risk for exposure to mercury pollution. What is Mercury and Who is Affected by Mercury Pollution? The Food and Drug Administration is charged with the protection of the public from mercury in store-bought fish. Mercury is a neurotoxin that is most often seen as a by-product Unfortunately their recommendations are vague and provide from industrial processes like power plants, incinerators and insufficient information to the public.
    [Show full text]
  • Eco Profile on Chlorine
    An Eco-profile and Environmental Product Declaration of the European Chlor-Alkali Industry Chlorine (The chlor-alkali process) Euro Chlor September 2013 - Synthesis 1 Introduction Allocation method Stoichiometric allocation for Salt, mass allocation for all other input This Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is and emissions. Sensitivity analysis based upon life cycle inventory (LCI) data from for other allocation methods was performed. Euro Chlor’s member companies. It has been prepared according to the rules of Description of the Product and the PlasticsEurope’s LCI Methodology “Eco-profiles Production Process and Environmental Declarations” (version 2.0, This Eco-profile and EPD represents the European April 2011). EPDs provide environmental average industrial production of chlorine, sodium performance data, but no information on the hydroxide, hydrogen, and sodium hypochlorite by economic and social aspects, which would be chlor-alkali electrolysis from cradle to gate. necessary for a complete sustainability assessment. Further, they do not imply a value Production Process judgment between environmental criteria. Salt (NaCl) recovered from various sources (rock This EPD describes the production of chlorine by salt, solar salt, solution-mined brine, vacuum chlor-alkali electrolysis from cradle to gate (from salt) is dissolved in water and the resulting brine production of salt/brine to liquid chlorine, is purified and fed to the electrolysis unit where sodium hydroxide, and hypochlorite at plant). the brine is electrochemically decomposed into Please keep in mind that comparisons cannot chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide. Three be made on the level of the chemicals alone: it different electrolysis techniques are applied: is necessary to consider the full life cycle of an mercury, diaphragm, and membrane cell application in order to compare the performance technology.
    [Show full text]
  • Periodic Activity of Metals Periodic Trends and the Properties of the Elements SCIENTIFIC
    Periodic Activity of Metals Periodic Trends and the Properties of the Elements SCIENTIFIC Introduction Elements are classified based on similarities, differences, and trends in their properties, including their chemical reactions. The reactions of alkali and alkaline earth metals with water are pretty spectacular chemical reactions. Mixtures bubble and boil, fizz and hiss, and may even smoke and burn. Introduce the study of the periodic table and periodic trends with this exciting demonstration of the activity of metals. Concepts • Alkali and alkaline earth metals • Periodic table and trends • Physical and chemical properties • Metal activity Materials Calcium turnings, Ca, 0.3 g Beaker, Berzelius (tall-form), Pyrex®, 500-mL, 4 Lithium metal, Li, precut piece Forceps or tongs Magnesium ribbon, Mg, 3-cm Knife (optional) Sodium metal, Na, precut piece Petri dishes, disposable, 4 Phenolphthalein, 1% solution, 2 mL Scissors Water, distilled or deionized, 600 mL Safety Precautions Lithium and sodium are flammable, water-reactive, corrosive solids; dangerous when exposed to heat or flame. They react violently with water to produce flammable hydrogen gas and solutions of corrosive metal hydroxides. Hydrogen gas may be released in sufficient quantities to cause ignition. Do NOT “scale up” this demonstration using larger pieces of sodium or lithium! These metals are shipped in dry mineral oil. Store them in mineral oil until immediately before use. Do not allow these metals to stand exposed to air from one class period to another or for extended periods of time. Purchasing small, pre-cut pieces of lithium and sodium greatly reduces their potential hazard. Calcium metal is flammable in finely divided form and reacts upon contact with water to give flammable hydrogen gas and corrosive calcium hydroxide.
    [Show full text]
  • Mercury and Mercury Compounds
    United States Office of Air Quality EPA-454/R-97-012 Environmental Protection Planning And Standards Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 December 1997 AIR EPA LOCATING AND ESTIMATING AIR EMISSIONS FROM SOURCES OF MERCURY AND MERCURY COMPOUNDS L & E EPA-454/R-97-012 Locating And Estimating Air Emissions From Sources of Mercury and Mercury Compounds Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Office of Air and Radiation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 December 1997 This report has been reviewed by the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and has been approved for publication. Mention of trade names and commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. EPA-454/R-97-012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................ xi 1.0 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT .............................................. 1-1 2.0 OVERVIEW OF DOCUMENT CONTENTS ................................. 2-1 3.0 BACKGROUND ........................................................ 3-1 3.1 NATURE OF THE POLLUTANT ..................................... 3-1 3.2 OVERVIEW OF PRODUCTION, USE, AND EMISSIONS ................. 3-1 3.2.1 Production .................................................. 3-1 3.2.2 End-Use .................................................... 3-3 3.2.3 Emissions ................................................... 3-6 4.0 EMISSIONS FROM MERCURY PRODUCTION ............................. 4-1 4.1 PRIMARY MERCURY
    [Show full text]
  • Nature of Salt Nasa Summer of Innovation
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration NATURE OF SALT NASA SUMMER OF INNOVATION LESSON DESCRIPTION UNIT Students examine the molecular Physical Science – States of Matter structure of salt and the elements that compose it. GRADE LEVELS 4th -6th OBJECTIVES Students will: CONNECTION TO CURRICULUM Explain the general relationship Science between an element's Periodic Table Group Number and its TEACHER PREPARATION TIME 10 minutes tendency to gain or lose electron(s). LESSON TIME NEEDED Explain the difference between 45 minute Complexity: Basic molecular compounds and ionic compounds. Use a model to demonstrate sodium chloride's cubic form which results from its microscopic crystal lattice. Describe the nature of the electrostatic attraction of the oppositely charged ions that holds the structure of salt together. NATIONAL STANDARDS National Science Education Standards (NSTA) Science as Inquiry Understanding of scientific concepts Skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world Physical Science Properties of objects and materials MANAGEMENT It is suggested that the “Electrolysis of Water” activity listed in the additional resources section of this lesson be performed prior to introducing this lesson to students. It can be done as a demonstration or as a full engagement activity with students. CONTENT RESEARCH Chemically, table salt consists of two elements, sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl). Neither element occurs separately and free in nature, but are found bound together as the compound sodium chloride. It occurs naturally in many parts of the world as the mineral halite and as mixed evaporites in salt lakes. Seawater contains an average of 2.6% (by weight) sodium chloride, or 78 million metric tons per cubic kilometer, an inexhaustible supply.
    [Show full text]