HC Deb 22 June 1988 vol 135 c622W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies are being conducted into the levels of free aluminium to be found in soil in the United Kingdom, and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

[holding answer 17 June 1988]: Studies on the mobilisation of aluminium in United Kingdom soils and freshwaters are being conducted by water authorities and a number of research contractors on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council and this Department.

Aluminium tends to be mobilised mainly in soils which have low or no acid neutralising capacity. Waters from these areas have higher aluminium contents than waters from calcareous areas but the contribution they make to the total aluminium content of public drinking water supplies is quite small.