Aluminium

Definition: Aluminum is a chemical element with atomic number 13 and symbol Al. It is a common metal in the earth's crust and is used in various applications such as the production of aluminum foil and household appliances.

Chemical properties: Aluminum is electrically conductive and has a silvery color. It has a high melting point of 660.4 °C and only changes to the gaseous state at extremely high temperatures of 2467 °C.

Occurrence in water: Aluminum can also be present in water and there is a limit value for aluminum in the drinking water regulations. In Germany this limit is 0.2 mg/l. Exceeding this value can cause taste changes in the water.

Aluminum enters water bodies from rocks through acid rain and is therefore continually increased in water sources. In general, it can be said that aluminum is present more frequently in more acidic water. In normal tap water, the aluminum content is usually low, while higher concentrations can often occur in well water.

Health effects: Aluminum is slightly toxic, but generally poses only a small risk to human health. There is a suspicion that aluminum could influence the development of Alzheimer's disease, but this has not yet been conclusively clarified. Since aluminum is also absorbed through air and food, the contribution of drinking water to aluminum pollution is comparatively small.

It is known that older people can break down aluminum more slowly, and it can also affect bone structure. Due to these potential health risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a limit value for aluminum in drinking water that is consistent with the provisions of the German Drinking Water Ordinance.