Iron makes up more than 30% of the Earth’s mass, and is a universal element found in the atmosphere and specifically in all our waterways, such as lakes rivers, and oceans. It is one of the most abundant elements on Earth and among the most essential elements in the Earth’s ecosystem.
The fundamentals of our water supply for domestic, commercial, or industrial usage come from either surface water or ground water. Groundwater is water that exists in saturated zones beneath the ground surface. These zones can be less than one hundred feet deep to thousands of feet deep. As rain falls on the surface of the Earth, some of it soaks into the ground, and some of it runs off to streams, rivers, and oceans.
Iron ore plays a pivotal role in our understanding of natural processes and the environment. As water saturates through the ground, it begins to dissolve minerals, including iron from iron ore deposits. This dissolved iron takes form as ferrous bicarbonate, commonly known as clear water iron. It is fascinating to note that this form of iron is invisible to the naked eye, yet it significantly impacts groundwater chemistry.
What is particularly intriguing is the behavior of this dissolved iron. Under certain conditions, it has a natural characteristic to revert back to its original state as solid iron ore. This transformation can lead to the formation of ferric hydroxide, or what many refer to as red water iron—a visible indicator of changing chemical environments in our water systems.
Simple changes to the groundwater such as temperature, pressure, or even a change of pH through stormwater can promote the change from clear water iron to red water iron. The addition of oxygen to a water supply can easily cause this conversion. Simply stated is when low or de-oxygenated water reaches a source of oxygen, iron bacteria convert dissolved iron into an insoluble reddish-brown that discolors water causing turbidity, odor, and staining of water. This Iron-oxidizing bacteria is non-harmful to the environment. The oxidized iron gives the bacteria their rusty color. Next time you come across this, do not worry! It is just iron-oxidizing bacteria.
Our clients hire us to report and consult on any pollutant generating activities that could get into our waterways through stormwater. We are experts at recommending the best management practices to reduce sediment and other pollutants from getting in through our inlets, sensitive areas, and water ways. Contact KCI today, 888-346-7779.
