Chemical elements in water
Explore how selected chemical elements occur and behave in water, and why they matter for water quality and treatment.
This directory brings together articles on occurrence, chemical forms, solubility, reactions, environmental and health effects, and treatment options. It covers a selection of elements rather than the entire periodic table.
Element names and chemical forms
An element name does not describe every form in which that element can occur in water. Dissolved ions, compounds, gases and particles can behave differently. An element being present in water does not necessarily mean that the pure element reacts with water.
Interpret solubility and treatment information in the context of the chemical form and water conditions.
Browse elements and water
Choose an article below. Two arsenic resources are included: the element-and-water article and a separate arsenic-in-water resource.
Aluminium in water (AL + H2O)
Argon in water (Ar + H2O)
Arsenic in water (As + H2O)
Boron in water (B + H2O)
Calcium in water (Ca + H2O)
Chromium in water (Cr + H2O)
Helium in water (He + H2O)
Iodine in water (I + H2O)
Iron in water (Fe + H2O)
Lead in water (Pb + H2O)
Lithium in water (Li + H2O)
Magnesium in water (Mg + H2O)
Nickel in water (Ni + H2O)
Nitrogen in water (N + H2O)
Oxygen in water (O2 + H2O)
Potassium in water (K + H2O)
Silicon in water (Si + H2O)
Silver in water (Ag + H2O)
Sodium in water (Na + H2O)
Strontium in water (Sr + H2O)
Tin in water (SN + H2O)
Titanium in water (Ti + H2O)
Zinc in water (Zn + H2O)
Arsenic in water
What to look for in an article
- Occurrence: how an element enters water and which forms may be present.
- Water chemistry: solubility, reactions and important compounds.
- Effects: the relevance of chemical form and concentration to health and the environment.
- Treatment: technologies discussed for removing or controlling particular forms.
For a broader overview of the elements, visit the periodic table. You can also try the environmental quiz.