The name boron is derived from borax which is the mineral form from which boron was separated. The history of borax originates in China in around 300 AD where it was used as a glaze; it continued to be used for this purpose use for hundreds of years. Boron was not recognised as an element until Sir Humphry Davy was able to isolate it using electrolysis in 1808. Interestingly, boron is made only within supernovae and by a process called cosmic ray spallation (highly energetic charged particles from outside the atmosphere impacting on matter such as the Earth's crust) which makes it a low abundance element. Elemental boron is not naturally found on Earth and occurs instead as a variety of compounds which have different characteristics.
Boron is primarily used in the production of fiberglass for insulation and other materials. Other uses include within polymers and ceramics for its high-strength and heat resistant benefits. The Boron-10 isotope is also sometimes used in nuclear power reactors as a neutron moderator, helping to slow down neutrons to encourage more fission reactions.
The US Institute of Medicine has never confirmed whether boron is an essential nutrient in humans and there is little scientific evidence to determine whether it is or not; most of the boron that is absorbed by the body is excreted again. Despite this, there exist several natural antibiotics that contain boron.
Elemental boron is relatively non-toxic to humans and is similar to table salt in its toxicity. Excessive amounts of boron intake can cause symptoms such as indigestion, anorexia, and alopecia. Trouble staying alert and focussed, as well as lower bone strength, have in a few studies pointed to a boron deficiency. However, excess intake and deficiencies in boron are more obvious in plant growth than humans.
Boron is naturally present in groundwater, primarily from leaching out of rocks and soil. This amount can be increased as the result of wastewater discharges but the use of boron in discharges has reduced significantly and is less common now. Another potential source could be industrial activities such as glass manufacturing plants.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not currently regulate the level of boron in drinking water, instead opting to publish lifetime health advisory levels. The UK, EU, and WHO all have set legal limits for boron content in water.
Boron in your drinking water can be detected by the following tests.
Boron can be reduced or removed from your drinking water using the following methods.
