Elements and Their Compounds in the Environment

Barite (Barium)

“…The concentration of barium in surface waters ranges from 7 to 15,000 parts per billion (ppb) (Jaritz, 2004). Gaillardet and others (2003) reported a worldwide river water average of 23 ppb.…”

“…Barite is practically insoluble in oxidizing environments and is highly resistant to weathering. The solubility of most barium compounds increases as conditions become reducing or acidic (Jaritz, 2004).…”

“…A study of the Rhine River near Darmstadt showed a barium concentration of 480 ppb in the suspended material compared with 39 ppb in the water (Hoffmann and Lieser, 1987). Barium in seawater averages 6 ppb, which is lower than the concentration in most freshwater because barite tends to precipitate as freshwater enters the ocean (Jaritz, 2004). The barium content in seawater varies among different oceans and with latitude and depth (International Programme on Chemical Safety, 2001).…”

“…Soluble barium compounds, such as barium chloride, barium hydroxide, and barium nitrate, can be toxic to humans, animals, and plants, whereas barium sulfate (barite) is effectively nontoxic because the barium is not bioaccessible. In fact, barium sulfate is routinely ingested by patients undergoing gastrointestinal X-rays (Jaritz, 2004). Barium carbonate is only slightly soluble in water, but it is toxic to humans because it dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2007).…”

“…In some situations, food can be a significant source of dietary barium. Dairy and meat products tend to be lower in barium than vegetables, but Brazil nuts, seaweed, fish, and some plants can be high in barium (Jaritz, 2004; Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2007). Consumption of vegetables grown on barite-contaminated garden soils has been suggested as a human exposure pathway near a barite mine in northwestern Croatia (Frančišković-Bilinski and others, 2007).…”