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Where in the environment do beryllium & compounds end up?
Beryllium is a naturally occurring element and low background levels in air, water and food are found everywhere. Beryllium can enter the environment from rocks, soil, and industrial emissions and waste. Airborne beryllium dust from the burning of coal and oil settles to the soil and water. Beryllium from rocks and soil can enter natural water systems, but because most beryllium compounds settle to the bottom as particles natural waters contain very little dissolved beryllium. However, higher concentrations of beryllium may be found in acidified waters. Soils tend to fix beryllium in water soluble compounds in forms that are not bioavailable to plants.
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