Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
13
The Range of
Environmental
Concerns
Separating Fact from Fantasy
ZINC
Zinc, a malleable blue-gray metal, is the fourth most commonly used metal, and has
been in use for more than 3,000 years. It is commonly found in sulphide ores together
with copper, or silver and lead, where its most common mineral is sphalerite. It is an
essential element but may be toxic in solution, particularly to plants and aquatic
organisms. It is a constituent of many alloys, notably brass, and is also used in galvanis-
ing to protect steel from oxidation. Other uses include die casting, batteries, cathodic
protection and variousmedicinal products. Zinc oxide is used as a pigment and
sun-block.
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