What is the classification of contaminants such as lead and mercury?

Lead and mercury are classified as inorganic contaminants. This classification is based on the elements' chemical properties and their behavior in the environment. Inorganic contaminants typically include metals and minerals that do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, which distinguishes them from organic contaminants that are primarily derived from living organisms or are carbon-based compounds.

In the case of lead and mercury, both are heavy metals commonly introduced into water sources through industrial activities, mining, and improper disposal of hazardous materials. These metals pose significant health risks, including neurological damage and developmental problems in children, due to their ability to bioaccumulate in living organisms.

Understanding that lead and mercury fall under inorganic contaminants is crucial for water treatment processes aimed at removing such harmful substances. Various methods, such as chemical precipitation, filtration, and ion exchange, are utilized in water treatment facilities to effectively reduce the levels of these contaminants to safe thresholds for public health.