Determination of Silicon in Water

Silicon, or silicon as it is also known, is the most abundant after oxygen and makes up 28% of the lithosphere. It is characteristic of all important rocks except carbonates. It is classified as the most abundant element, especially in igneous rocks.

Although it is very slightly soluble in water, it is known that most of the silicon found in water comes from the decomposition of silica-containing minerals. The type, composition and pH of silica-containing minerals are factors that affect the solubility and form of silica in the solution obtained after contact with water. Silica can be found in water in three different states:
• Suspended
• As a colloid
• As a solution

The expected amount of silica in natural waters is in the range of 5-25 mg/L. In some measurements, it was observed that it reached up to 100 mg/L depending on the region.