The Sources, Distribution, and Trends of Chloride in Waters of Illinois

Kelly, Walt; Panno, Sam; Hackley, Keith

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90994 Copy

Description

Title

The Sources, Distribution, and Trends of Chloride in Waters of Illinois

Author(s)

• Kelly, Walt
• Panno, Sam
• Hackley, Keith

Issue Date

2012-03

Keyword(s)

• chloride
• groundwater

Geographic Coverage

Illinois

Abstract

Chloride (Cl-) is a major anion found in all natural waters. It occurs naturally and is also a relatively minor contaminant. Chloride concentrations in Illinois range from less than 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in precipitation to close to 100,000 mg/L in Paleozoic brines. Chloride is non-toxic to humans, although there is a secondary drinking water standard of 250 mg/L. It is, however, deleterious to some plants and aquatic biota, thus the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has set an acute standard of 500 mg/L for surface waters in Illinois. Chloride is also a very corrosive agent, and elevated levels pose a threat to infrastructure, such as road beds, bridges, and industrial pipes. Some streams and aquifers in Illinois have naturally elevated Cl- concentrations due to surface or near-surface discharge of Paleozoic brines. Of greater concern to water resources in Illinois are anthropogenic sources of Cl-, including road salt runoff, sewage, water conditioning salts, and fertilizer. Chloride concentrations are elevated in most water bodies in the Chicago region, primarily due to road salt runoff. Concentrations have been increasing since approximately the 1960s, and in general, concentrations continue to increase. These elevated Cl- concentrations may pose a risk to infrastructure as well as aquatic to ecosystems.

Publisher

Illinois State Water Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Bulletin (Illinois State Water Survey) no. 74

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90994

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