United States
environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
Regulations arid Standards
Washington. DC 20460
Water
Juna, 198S
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PREFACE
This document is one of a series of preliminary assessments dealing
with chemicals of potential concern in municipal sewage sludge. The
purpose of these documents is to: (a) summarize the available data for
the constituents of potential concern, (b) identify the key environ-
mental pathways for each constituent related to a reuse and disposal
option (based on hazard indices), and (c) evaluate the conditions under
which such a pollutant may pose a hazard. Each document provides a sci-
entific basis for making an initial determination of whether a pollu-
tant, at levels currently observed in sludges, poses a likely hazard to
human health or the environment when sludge is disposed of by any of
several methods. These methods include landspreading on food chain or
nonfood chain crops, distribution and marketing programs, landfilling,
incineration and ocean disposal.
These documents are intended to serve as a rapid screening tool to
narrow an initial list of pollutants to-those of concern. If a signifi-
cant hazard is indicated by this preliminary analysis, a more detailed
assessment will be undertaken to better quantify the risk from this
chemical and to derive criteria if warranted. If a hazard is shown to
be unlikely, no further assessment will be conducted at this time; how-
ever, a reassessment will be conducted after initial regulations are
finalized. In no case, however, will criteria be derived solely on the
basis of information presented in this document.
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TABLE OP CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE i
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
2. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS FOR BERYLLIUM IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE.
SLUDGE 2-1
Landspreading and DistribuCion-and-Marketing 2-1
Landfilling 2-1
Incineration 2-1
Ocean Disposal 2-1
3. PRELIMINARY HAZARD INDICES FOR BERYLLIUM IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE
SLUDGE 3-1
Landspreading and Distribution-and-Marketing 3-1
Landf i 1L ing 3-1
Incineration 3-1
Index of air concentration increment resulting
from incinerator emissions (Index 1) 3-1
Index of human cancer risk resulting from
inhalation of incinerator emissions (Index 2) 3-4
Ocean Disposal 3-5
4. PRELIMINARY DATA PROFILE FOR BERYLLIUM IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE
SLUDGE 4-1
Occurrence 4-1
Sludge 4-1
Soil - Unpolluted 4-1
Water - Unpolluted 4-2
Air 4-3
Food 4-4
Human Effects '4-4
Ingestion .'... 4-4
Inhalation 4-5
11
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
Plant Effects 4-6
PhytotoxiciCy 4-6
Uptake 4-6
Domestic Animal and Wildlife Effects 4-6
Toxicity 4-6
Uptake 4-6
Aquatic Life Effects 4-7
Soil Biota Effects 4-7
Toxicity 4-7
Uptake .. 4-7
Physicochemical Data for Estimating Fate and Transport 4-7
5. REFERENCES 5-1
APPENDIX. PRELIMINARY HAZARD INDEX CALCULATIONS FOR
BERYLLIUM IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE A-l
111
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
This preliminary data profile is one of a series of profiles
dealing with chemical pollutants potentially of concern in municipal
sewage sludges. Beryllium (Be) was initially identified as being of
potential concern when sludge is incinerated.* This profile is a compi-
lation of information that may be useful in determining whether Be poses
an actual hazard to human health or the environment when sludge is
disposed of by this method.
The focus of this document is the calculation of "preliminary
hazard indices" for selected potential exposure pathways, as shown in
Section 3. Each index illustrates the hazard that could result from
movement of a pollutant by a given pathway to cause a given effect
(e.g., sludge -»• air •*• human toxicity). The values and assumptions
employed in these calculations tend to represent a reasonable "worst
case"; analysis of error or uncertainty has been conducted to a limited
degree. The resulting value in most cases is indexed to unity; i.e.,
values .>! may indicate a potential hazard, depending upon the
assumptions of the calculation.
The data used for index calculation have been selected or estimated
based on information presented in the "preliminary data profile",
Section 4. Information in the profile is based on a compilation of the
recent literature. An attempt has been made to fill out the profile
outline to the greatest extent possible. However, since this is a pre-
liminary analysis, the literature has not been exhaustively perused.
The "preliminary conclusions" drawn from each index in Section 3
are summarized in Section 2. The preliminary hazard indices will be
used as a screening tool to determine which pollutants and pathways may
pose a hazard. Where a potential hazard is indicated by interpretation
of these indices, further analysis will include a more detailed exami-
nation of potential risks as well as an examination of site-specific
factors. These more rigorous evaluations may change the preliminary
conclusions presented in S'ection 2, which are based on a reasonable
"worst case" analysis.
The preliminary hazard indices for selected exposure routes
pertinent to incineration are included in this profile. The calculation
formulae for these indices are shown in the Appendix. The indices are
rounded to two significant figures.
* Listings were determined by a series of expert workshops convened
during March-May, 1984 by the Office of Water Regulations and
Standards (OWRS) to discuss landspreading, landfilling, incineration,
and ocean disposal, respectively, of municipal sewage sludge.
1-1
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SECTION 2
PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS FOR BERYLLIUM IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE
The following preliminary conclusions have been derived from the
calculation of "preliminary hazard indices", which represent conserva-
tive or "worst case" analyses of hazard. The indices and their basis
and interpretation are explained in Section 3. Their calculation
formulae are shown in the Appendix.
I. LANDSPREADINC AND DISTRIBUTION-AND-MARKETING
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
II. LANDFILLING
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
III. INCINERATION
The level of Be contamination in the atmosphere is expected to
increase slightly with the incineration of municipal sewage sludge.
This is particularly evident when high Be concentration sludge is
incinerated at high feed rates (see Index 1).
Also, the incineration of municipal sewage sludge appears to
slightly increase the carcinogenic hazard associated with the inha-
lation of Be. The largest risk increase can be expected when high
Be concentration sludge is incinerated at high feed rates with the
worst level of stack emissions (see Index 2).
IV. OCEAN DISPOSAL
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
2-1
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SECTION 3
PRELIMINARY HAZARD INDICES FOR BERYLLIUM
IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE
I. LANDSPREADING AND DISTRIBUTION-AND-MARKETING
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
II. LANDFILLING
Based on- the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to-conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
III. INCINERATION
A. Index of Air Concentration Increment Resulting from
Incinerator Emissions (Index 1)
1. Explanation - Shows the degree of elevation of the
pollutant concentration in the air due to the incinera-
tion of sludge. An input sludge with thermal properties
defined by the energy parameter (EP) was analyzed using
the BURN model (Camp Dresser and McKee, Inc. (COM),
1984). • This model uses the thermodynamic and mass bal-
ance relationships appropriate for multiple hearth incin-
erators to relate the input sludge characteristics to the
stack gas parameters. Dilution and dispersion of these
stack gas releases were described by the U.S. EPA's
Industrial Source Complex Long-Term (ISCLT) dispersion
model from which normalized annual ground level concen-
trations were predicted (U.S. EPA, 1979). The predicted
pollutant concentration can then be compared to a ground
level concentration used to assess risk.
2. Assumptions/Limitations - The fluidized bed incinerator
was not chosen due to a paucity of available data.
Gradual plume rise, stack tip downwash, and building wake
effects are appropriate for describing plume behavior.
Maximum hourly impact values can be translated into
annual average values.
3. Data Used and Rationale
a. Coefficient to correct for mass and time units (C) =
2.78 x 10~7 hr/sec x g/mg
3-1
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b. Sludge feed rate (DS)
i. Typical = 2660 kg/hr (dry solids input)
A feed rate of 2660 kg/hr DW represents an
average dewatered sludge feed rate into the
furnace. This feed rate would serve a commun-
ity of approximately 400,000 people. This rate
was incorporated into the U.S. EPA-ISCLT model
based on the following input data:
EP = 360 Ib H20/mm BTU
Combustion zone temperature - 1400°F
Solids content - 28%
Stack height - 20 m
Exit gas velocity - 20 m/s
Exit gas temperature - 356.9°K (183°F)
Stack diameter - 0.60 m
ii. Worst = 10,000 kg/hr (dry solids input)
A feed rate of 10,000 kg/hr DW represents a
higher feed rate and would serve a major U.S.
city. This rate was incorporated into the U.S.
EPA-ISCLT model based on the following input
data:
EP = 392 Ib H20/mm BTU
Combustion zone temperature - 1400°F
Solids content - 26.6%
Stack height - 10 m
Exit gas velocity - 10 m/s
Exit gas temperature - 313.8°K (105°F)
Stack diameter - 0.80 m
c.
Sludge concentration of pollutant (SC)
Typical 0.313 mg/kg DW
Worst 1.168 mg/kg'DW
Median and 95th percentile (typical and worst) were
statistically derived from data presented by a sur-
vey of sludge concentration of 40 publicly-owned
treatment works (POTWs) (U.S. EPA, 1982). (See
Section 4, p. 4-1.)
d. Fraction of pollutant emitted through stack (FM)
Typical 0.01 (unitless)
Worst ' 0.03 (unitless)
Emission estimates may vary considerably between
sources; therefore, the values used are based on a
U.S. EPA 10-city incineration study (Farrell and
3-2
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Wall, 1981). Where data were not available from the
EPA study, a more recent report which thoroughly
researched heavy metal emissions was utilized (CDM,
1983).
e. Dispersion parameter for estimating maximum annual
ground level concentration (DP)
Typical 3.4 yg/m3
Worst 16.0 Ug/m3
The dispersion parameter is derived from the U.S.
EPA-ISCLT short-stack model.
f. Background concentration of pollutant in urban
air (BA) = 0.00025 Ug/m3
Values for 12 cities with populations >500,000 were
averaged. The range of background concentrations
for Be was from 0.0001 to 0.0005 Ug/m3 (U.S. EPA,
1978). (See Section 4, p. 4-3.)
A. Index 1 Values
Sludge Feed
Fraction of Rate (kg/hr DW)a
Pollutant Emitted Sludge
Through Stack Concentration 0 2660 10,000
Typical
Typical
Worst
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.6
3.1
Worst Typical 1.0 1.1 2.7
Worst 1.0 1.4 7.2
aThe typical (3.4 Ug/m3) and worst (16.0 Ug/m3) disper-
sion parameters will always correspond, respectively, to
the typical (2b60 kg/hr DW) -and worst (10,000 kg/hr DW)
sludge feed rates.
5. Value Interpretation - Value equals factor by which
expected air concentration exceeds background levels due
to incinerator emissions.
6. Preliminary Conclusion - The level of Be contamination in
the atmosphere is expected to increase slightly with the
incineration of municipal sewage sludge. This is
particularly evident when high Be concentration sludge is
incinerated at high feed rates.
3-3
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B. Index of Human Cancer Risk Resulting from Inhalation of
Incinerator Emissions (Index 2)
1. Explanation - Shows the increase in human intake expected
to result from the incineration of sludge. Ground level
concentrations for carcinogens typically were developed
based upon assessments published by the U.S. EPA Carcino-
gen Assessment Group (CAG). These ambient concentrations
reflect a dose level which, for a lifetime exposure,
increases the risk of cancer by 10~°.
2. Assumptions/Limitations - The exposed population is
assumed to reside within the impacted area for 24
hours/day. A respiratory volume of 20 m3/day is assumed
over a 70-year lifetime.
3. Data Used and Rationale
a. Index of air concentration increment resulting from
incinerator emissions (Index 1)
See Section 3, p. 3-3.
b. Background concentration of pollutant in urban air
(BA) = 0.00025 pg/tn3
See Section 3, p. 3-3.
c. Cancer potency = 2.6 (mg/kg/day)~^
The cancer potency value was derived from a study of
carcinogenic effects produced by occupational inhal-
ation of Be (U.S. 'EPA, 1984). (See Section 4,
p. 4-5.)
d. Exposure criterion (EC) = 1.35 x 10~3 pg/m3
A lifetime exposure level which would result in a
10~° cancer risk was selected as ground level con-
centration against which incinerator emissions are
compared. The risk estimates developed by CAG are
defined as the lifetime incremental cancer risk in a
hypothetical population exposed continuously
throughout their lifetime to the stated concentra-
tion of the carcinogenic agent. The exposure
criterion is calculated using the following formula:
10"6 x 103 pg/mg x 70 kg
Cancer potency x 20 m3/day
3-4
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4. Index 2 Values
Sludge Feed
Fraction of . Rate (kg/hr DW)a
Pollutant Emitted Sludge
Through Stack Concentration 0 2660 10,000
Typical
Typical
Worst
0.18
0.18
0.19
0.21
0.29
0.57
Worst Typical 0.18 0.20 0.49
Worst 0.18 0.25 1.3
aThe typical (3.4 ug/m^) and worst (16.0 Ug/m-3) disper-
sion parameters will always correspond, respectively, to
the typical (2660 kg/hr DW) 'and worst (10,000 kg/hr DW)
sludge feed rates.
5. Value Interpretation - Value > 1 indicates a potential
increase in cancer risk of > 10~6 (1 per 1,000,000).
Comparison with the null index value at 0 kg/hr DW indi-
cates the degree to which any hazard is due to sludge
incineration, as opposed to background urban air
concentration.
6. Preliminary Conclusion - The incineration of municipal
sewage sludge appears to slightly increase the carcino-
genic hazard associated with the inhalation of Be. The
largest risk increase can be expected when high Be con-
centration sludge is incinerated at high feed rates with
the worst level of stack emissions.
IV. OCEAN DISPOSAL
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
3-5
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SECTION A
PRELIMINARY DATA PROFILE FOR BERYLLIUM IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE
I. OCCURRENCE
Be is a moderately rare element, exist-
ing naturally only in mineral forms.
Commercially, it is used as the metal (35%), as
beryllium-copper alloys (50%), as other alloys
(10%), and as beryllium oxide ceramic products
(5%). The primary non-occupational source of
Be exposure is coal combustion. According to
1968 data, an annual total of 148 metric
tons of &e is released to the U.S. envi-
ronment from a variety of sources with coal com-
bustion accounting for 85% of the emissions.
A. Sludge
1.. Frequency of Detection
Be was detected in 98 of
439 samples (22%) from 40 POTWS.
Be was detected in 52 of 81
samples (64%) from 10 POTWS.
2. Concentration
In 23 POTWs reporting analytical
results for Be, the following were
obtained:
Median 0.313 yg/g DW
Mean 0.503 Mg/g DW
Geom. Mean 0.309 Mg/g DW
95th Percentile 1.168 ug/g DW
A range of Be concentration was
reported as <4 to <15 Ug/g (DW)
in sludges of 15 U.S. cities (all
values reported as "less than").
B. Soil - Unpolluted
1. Frequency of Detection
"Due to its prevalence in rocks,
beryllium occurs in most soils."
U.S. EPA,
(p. 1,5)
1978
U.S. EPA, 1982
(p. 41)
U.S. EPA, 1982
(p. 49)
Values derived by
statistical analysis
of U.S. EPA, 1982
Furr et al. , 1976
(p. 684)
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 175)
4-1
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2. Concentration
Average Range
(Ug/g) (Ug/g)
Contiguous United 1 1-7 U.S. EPA, 1978
States (p. 176)
OH, WV, GA, MD, NC, 0.37 0.13-0.88 U.S. EPA, 1978
SC (15 samples) (p. 176)
Indiana loesses — 6-8 U.S. EPA, 1978'
(p. 180)
C. Hater - Unpolluted
1. Frequency of Detection
"Be is almost non-exiscent in U.S. EPA, 1978
natural waters." (p. 180-181)
Be was detected in 85 out of U.S. EPA, 1980a
1,577 drinking water samples (5.4%) (p. C-l)
throughout the United States
2. Concentration
a. Freshwater
Generally <1 ug/L U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 180-181)
Atchafalyaa River, LA: 0.1 to 1 U.S. EPA, 1978
Ug/L; Delaware and Hudson (p. 180-181)
Rivers: 0.1 ug/L
b. Seawater
Generally: <0.0006 ug/L U.S. EPA, 1978
Pacific Ocean: 0.00057 ug/L (p. 180-181)
c. Drinking water
In 1,500 U.S. raw and finished U.S. EPA, 1973
water samples - (p. 180-181)
average: 0.19 Ug/L
range: 0.01 to 1.22 ug/L
(1.22 ug/L thought to be the
result of mine drainages)
4-2
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D. Air
1. Frequency of detection
"Beryllium is generally found in the
atmosphere in minute concentrations."
"...Undecectable in most of the over
100 cities sampled by the National
Air Surveillance Network
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 181)
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 181)
Concentration
Averages of up to 0.0005 Ug/m-* were
found in a survey including over 30
metropolitan areas in the U.S. Rural
and suburban areas averaged 0.0001 to
0.0002
Be content of the atmosphere
is less than 0.0001 mg/m3
Maximum of 0.003 Mg/rn-^ of Be in air
of more than 30 metropolitan areas
Average Be concentrations in urban
area listed below range from 0.0001
to 0.0005; mean = 0.00025
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 182)
Bowen, 1966
in U.S. EPA,
1978 (p. 181)
Durocher, 1969
in U.S. EPA,
1978 (p. 181)
Durocher, 1969
in U.S. EPA,
1978 (p. 182)
AVERAGE BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
URBAN AND RURAL AREAS
Area
Concentration
(ug/m^)
Cities with a population of over 2,000,000
Los Angeles
Detroit
Philadelphia
Chicago
New York
0.0001
0.0004
0.0005
0.0002
0.0003
Cities with populations between 500.000 and 2,000,000
Cincinnati
Kansas City
Portland
Atlanta
Houston
San Francisco
Minneapolis
0.0002
0.0003
0.0003
0.0002
0.0002
0.0001
0.0002
4-3
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Rural or Suburban
Boonsboro, Maryland 0.0001
Salt Lake City 0.0001
Atlanta 0.0002
Cincinnati 0.0001
Portland 0.0001
Source: Adapted from Chambers et al., 1955 (cited
in Durocher, 1969 (p. 42). Taken from U.S. EPA,
1978, Table 7 to 11 (p. 182).
0.003 Ug/m of Be in suspended Tabor and Warren,
particulate samples from Houston, 1958 in U.S. EPA,
Denver, and Louisville. 1978 (p. 181)
Trace quantities (<0.003 Mg/m^)
in Chattanooga, Chicago, Cincinnati,
E. Chicago, Minneapolis, Paulsboro,
New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia,
and Washington.
E. Food
1. Total Average Intake
Data not immediately available.
2. Concentration
No U.S. data available
New South Wales, Australia: U.S. EPA, 1978
<0.01 to 0.10 Ug/g in fresh ash (p. 185)
weight (excluding fish/shellfish)
West Germany: 0.12 to 0.3 ug/g
II. HUMAN EFFECTS
A. Ingestion
1. Carcinogftnicity
a. Qualitative Assessment
No data was found to support
carcinogenic effects in humans
due to oral ingestion.
b. Potency
Insufficient data available for U.S. EPA, 1984
derivation.
4-4
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c. Effects
No carcinogenic effects have U.S. EPA,.1984
been clearly observed. (p. 7-22)
2. Chronic Toxicity
Data not immediately available.
3. Absorption Factor
Data not available for humans. For U.S. EPA, 1984
an oral dose in mice, rats, monkeys, (p. 2-2)
and dogs, there was <1% absorption
through gut.
4. Existing Regulations
No data found chat regulates the human
ingestion of Be.
B. Inhalation
1. Carcinogenicity
a. Qualitative Assessment
Equivocal effeccs have been U.S. EPA, 1984
observed in humans due' to occu- (p. 2-7)
pational inhalation of Be. The
Carcinogen Assessment Group has
given Be an IAS.C rating of Group
2: "probably carcinogenic to
humans."
b. Potency
The cancer potency that U.S. EPA, 1984
relates to the inhalation of (p. 7-66)
Be is 2.6 (mg/kg/day)"1.
c. Effects
Lung and bone cancer have been U.S. EPA, 1984
attributed to the inhalation of (p. 7-73)
Be.
2. Chronic Toxicity
Data not presented because cancer
potency will be .used to assess hazard.
4-5
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3. Absorption Factor
No data for humans. Rats absorbed 18%
of inhalation dosage in 147 days.
4. Existing Regulations
ACGIH threshold limit values
2.0 Mg/m3 (8-hour TWA)
5.0 Ug/m^ (ceiling concentration)
NIOSH threshold limit values
1.0 Ug/m3 (8-hour TWA)
5.0 Ug/m3 (ceiling concentration)
III. PLANT EFFECTS
A. Phytotoxicity
See Table 4-1.
In order to affect plants, Be must
be in soluble form. Phytotoxic effects
increase as pH decreases.
B.
Uptake
See Table 4-2.
IV. DOMESTIC ANIMAL AND WILDLIFE EFFECTS
A. Toxicity
See Table 4-3.
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 103)
ACGIH, 1977
NIOSH, 1972
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 80, 82)
Be has been demonstrated to be a
carcinogen and a toxin when injected or
inhaled at sufficient levels.
Be has been shown to be carcinogenic
in rabbits, rats, and monkeys via intra-
venous injection, inhalation, and intra-
tracheal instillation.
B. Uptake
In cows, most of the absorbed Be
accumulates in the liver, kidney, and
skeletal system.
U.S. EPA, 1980a (C-8)
Groth, 1980 (p. 56)
U.S. EPA, 1980b
(p. 3)
U.S. EPA, 1978
(p. 97)
4-6
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"Be does not biomagnify within U.S. EPA, 1978
food chains. Be ingested by higher (p. 185)
animals is not absorbed through the
digestive tract but is readily-excreted."
V. AQUATIC LIFE EFFECTS
Data not immediately available.
VI. SOIL BIOTA EFFECTS
A. Toxicity
Under normal pH and magnesium conditions, U.S. EPA, 1978
Be inhibits the growth of microorganisms. (p. 78)
Concentrations of 2 Ug/L reduce growth by
over 50%.
B. Uptake
Data not immediately available.
VII. PHYSICOCHEMICAL DATA FOR ESTIMATING FATE AND TRANSPORT
Atomic weight: 9.01218 U.S. EPA, 1978
Density: 1.8477 + 0.0007 g/cm3, 25°C (p. 12)
Melting point: 1287 to 1292°C
Boiling point: 2970°C
Very resistant to oxidation in air
Most common Be compounds are U.S. EPA, 1980a
readily soluble in water. (p. A-l)
4-7
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TABLE 4-1. PIIYTOTOXICITY OF BERYLLIUM
i
Oo
Plant/Tissue
Alfalfa
Barley
Lettuce
Green Pea
Soybean
Tomato
Control Experimental3
Chemical Tissue Soil
Form Growth Concentration Concentration
Applied Medium (pg/g DW) (ug/g DW)
Be (soluble) nutrient NRb 2.0
med i urn
Be (soluble) nutrient NR 2.0
medi urn
Be (soluble) nutrient NR 2.0
medium
Be (soluble) nutrient NR 2.0
medi urn
Be (soluble) nutrient NR 2.0
medium
Be (soluble) nutrient NR 2.0
medium
Experimental Experimental
Application Tissue
Rate Concentration
(kg/ha) (pg/g DW) Effect
NR Roots and shoots
affected. Foli-
age turns dark
green
NR Stunted roots and
leaves; profuse
secondary root
growth
NR Stunted brown
roots; growth
depression; pro-
fuse secondary
root growth
NR Stunted brown
roots; growth
depression; pro-
fuse secondary
root growth
NR Stunted brown
roots; growth
depression; pro-
fuse secondary
root growth
NR Stunted brown
roots; growth
References
Romney and Childress,
1965 (p. 210)
Romney and Childress,
1965 (p. 210)
Romney and Childress,
1965 (p. 210)
Romney and Childress,
1965 (p. 210)
Yopp et al. , 1974
(p. 44-45)
Yopp et al. , 1974
(p. 44-45)
depression; pro-
fuse secondary
root growth
-------
Table 4-1. (continued)
Control Experimental a Experimental Experimental
Chemical Tissue Soil Application Tissue
form Growth Concentration Concentration Rate Concentration
Plant/Tissue Applied Medium (pg/g DW) (Mg/g OW) (kg/ha) (Wg/g DW) Effect
Wheat Be (soluble) nutrient NR 2.0 — NR Stunted brown
medium roots and leaves
which turn dark
green as dwarfing
intensifies
Tomato Be (soluble) nutrient NR 0.3 — NR General growth
medium depression
Bush bean Be (soluble) nutrient NR 0.5 -- NR Stunted brown
medium roots; secondary
-P-
' Corn Be (soluble) soil NR 1.0 — NR General growth
retardation
Bean/plant BeC03, BeOc soil NR >10 — NR No effect
Bean/plant Be(N03)2d . soil NR 10 — NR Inhibited growth
BeSOA(p. 80)
Kale/plant Be (soluble) pH 5.8 NR 40.0 -- NR 14Z reduction
yield of large
plants; 442 re-
duction yield of
seedling (NS)
Kale/plant Be (soluble) pll 7.5 NR 40 NR 21 reduction of
yield of large
References
Yopp et al
(p. 44-45)
Yopp et al
(p. 44-45)
Yopp et al
(p. 44-45)
growth
Yopp et al
(p. 44-45)
U.S. EPA,
(p. 80)
U.S. EPA,
U.S. EPA,
(p. 82)
U.S. EPA,
(p. 82)
., 1974
., 1974
., 1974
root
., 1974
1978
1978
1978
1978
reduction in seed-
lings (NS)
-------
TABLE 4-1. (continued)
I
I—•
o
Control Experimental3 Experimental
Chemical Tissue Soil Application
Form Growth Concentration Concentration Hate
Plant/Tissue Applied Medium (gg/g DW) (pg/g DW) (kg/ha)
Kale/plant Be (soluble) pll 6.0 NH 40
Experimental
Ti ssue
Concentration
(Ug/g DW) Effect
NR 2Z increased
yield of large
References
U.S
(P-
. EPA,
82)
1978
plants; 22Z increased
yield in seedlings
aAl1 values listed represent minimum phytotoxic concentrations.
bNR = Not reported.
'Insoluble forms of De.
dSoluble forms of Be.
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TABLE 4-2. UPTAKE OF BERYLLIUM BY PLANTS
Plant/Tissue
Alfalfa/leaf & stem
BarLey/fol iage
Lettuce/fol iage
Pea/leaf & stem
Barley/roots
Bush beans/ roots
Bush bean/stems
Bush beans/leaves
Bush beans/fruit
Growth
Medium
nut rient
solut ion
nutrient
solut ion
nutrient
solut ion
nutrient
solut i on
nutrient
aolut ion
nutrient
solut ion
nutrient
sol ut ion
nutrient
solut ion
nut rient
solut ion
Soil
Chemical Concent rat ion(N)a
Form Applied (pg/g)
Be (soluble) 0-16 (4)
Be (soluble) 0-16 (5)
Be (soluble) 0-16 (5)
Be (soluble) 0-16 (5)
Be (soluble) 0-16 (5)
Be (soluble) 0-5 (6)
Be (soluble) 0-5 (6)'
Be (soluble) 0-6 (6)
Be (soluble) 0-6 (6)
Tissue
Concentration Uptake
(pg/g) Slope*1 References
0-27.6 1.79 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-68 3.22 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-55 4.15 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-75.3 4.16 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-2,030.0 127.27 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-1,076.0 273.08 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-24.0 5.88 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-70.0 15.00 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
0-6.0 1.33 U.S. EPA, 1978 (p.
81)
81)
81)
81)
81)
81)
81)
81)
81)
a N = Number of soil concentrations.
" Uptake slope y/x: x = tissue concentration; y - soil concentration.
-------
TABLE 4-3. TOXICITY OF BERYLL1UH TO DOHESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE
Species (N)a
Rats
Rats
Rats
Rats/Mice
Rats
Rats
Dog (4)
Food Water
Concentre- Concentra- Daily
Chemical lion (ion Intake
Form (MB/g) (mg/L) (mg/kg) Duration Effects
BeCl2
BeCOj 20,000
BeC03
BeSO<, -- 5
Be (soluble) 5-500
BeSO/j
BeSOA
9.7 — LD50b
several weeks Survived several weeks
0.03 50 days Survived at least 50
g/day tot. days
Lifetime No change in growth
rate, longevity, tumors
2 years Significant increase in
lung sarcomas in 5 and
50 dose groups, not 500
1 2 years No effect
10 19 mo 3. No effect
References
U.S. EPA, 1980a (p. C-8)
U.S. EPA, 1980a (p. C-8)
U.S. EPA, 1980a (p. C-8)
Schroeder and Mitchener,
1975a; 1975b (p. 422-425;
454-456)
U.S. EPA, 1980a (p. C-26).
NAS, 1977 (p. 233)
a N = Number of experimental animals when reported.
k Lethal dose 50; dose of a substance which is fatal to 50 percent of the test animals.
-------
SECTION 5
REFERENCES
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1977.
Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances in Workroom Air
Adopted by ACGIH for 1977. ACGIH, Cincinnati, OH.
Bowen, H.J.M. 1966. Trace Elements in Biochemistry. Academic Press,
New York, NY. pp. 176-177.
Camp Dresser and McKee, Inc. 1983. New York City Special Permit
Application - Ocean Disposal of Sewage Sludge. Prepared for the
City of New York Department of Environmental Protection.
Camp Dresser and McKee, Inc. 1984. Development of Methodologies for
Evaluating Permissible Contaminant Levels in Municipal Wastewater
Sludges. Draft. Office of Water Regulations and Standards, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
Durocher, N. L. 1969. Preliminary Air Pollution Survey of Beryllium
and Its Compounds: A Literature Review. National Air Pollution
Control Administration Publications No. APTD 69-29. Raleigh, NC.
79 pp.
Farrell, J. B., and H. Wall. 1981. Air Pollutional Discharges from Ten
Sewage Sludge Incinerators. Draft Review Copy. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH. February.
Furr, A. K., A. W. Lawrence, S. S. Tong, et al., 1976. Multielement and
Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Analysis of Municipal Sewage Sludges of
American Cities. Env. Sci. & Technol. 10(7):683-687.
Groth, D. 1980. Carcinogenicity of Beryllium: Review of the
Literature. Env. Res. 21:56-62.
National Academy of Sciences. 1977. Drinking Water and Health.
National Research Council Safe Drinking Water Committee,
Washington, D.C..
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 1972. Criteria
for a Recommended Standard. Occupational Exposure to Beryllium.
DHEW (NIOSH) Publ. No. 72-10806.
Romney, E. M., and J. D. Childress. 1965. Effects of Beryllium in
Plants and Soil. Soil Science. 100(3):210-217.
Schroeder, H.A., and M. Mitchener. 1975a. Life-Term Studies in Rats:
Effects of Aluminum, Barium, Beryllium, and Tungsten. J.
Nutrition. 105(4):421-427.
5-1
-------
Schroeder, H.A., and M. Mitchener. 1975b. Life-Term Effects of
Mercury, Methyl Mercury, and Nine Other Trace Metals on Mice. J.
Nutrition. 105(4):452-458.
Tabor, E. C., and W. V. Warren. 1958. Distribution of Certain Metals
in the Atmosphere of Some American Cities. Arch. Ind. Health
17:145-151.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1978. Reviews of the Environ-
mental Effects of Pollutants: VI. Beryllium. EPA-600/1-78-028.
Cincinnati, OH.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1979. Industrial Source Complex
(ISC) Dispersion Model User Guide. EPA 450/4-79-30. Vol. 1.
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle
Park, NC." December.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1980a. Ambient Water Quality
Criteria for Beryllium. EPA 440/5-80-024. Cincinnati, OH.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1980b. Beryllium: Hazard Pro-
file. Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1982. Fate of Priority Pollu-
tants in Publicly-Owned Treatment Works. Final Report. Volume I.
EPA 440/1-82-303. Effluent Guideline Division, Washington, D.C.
September.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1984. Health Assessment Document
for Beryllium. Review Draft. EPA-600/8-84-026A. Office of Health
and Environmental'Assessment, Washington, D.C. December.
Yopp, J. H., W. E. Schmid, and R. W. Hoist. 1974. Determination of
Maximum Permissible Levels of Selected Metals that Exhibit Toxic
Effects on Plants of Economic Importance in Illinois. Illinois
Institute for Environmental Quality. IIEQ Doc. No. 74-33.
5-2
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APPENDIX
PRELIMINARY HAZARD INDEX CALCULATIONS FOR BERYLLIUM
IN MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE
I. LANDSPREADING AND DISTRIBUTION-AND-MARKETING
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
II. LANDPILLING
Based on" the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
III. INCINERATION
A. Index of Air Concentration Increment Resulting from Incinerator
Emissions (Index 1)
1. Formula
_ , . (C x PS x SC x FM x DP) + BA
Index 1 =
where:
C = Coefficient to correct for mass and time units
(hr/sec x g/mg)
DS = Sludge feed rate (kg/hr DW)
SC = Sludge concentration of pollutant (mg/kg DW)
FM = Fraction of pollutant emitted through stack
(unitless)
DP = Dispersion parameter for estimating maximum
annual ground level concentration (ug/m3)
BA = Background concentration of pollutant in urban
air (pg/m3)
2. Sample Calculation
1.031478 = [(2.78 x 10~7 hr/sec x g/mg x 2660 kg/hr DW x 0.313 mg/kg DW x 0.01
x 3.4 yg/m3) .+ 0.00025 yg/m3] t- 0.00025 ug/m3
A-l
-------
B. Index of Human Cancer Risk Resulting from Inhalation of
Incinerator Emissions (Index 2)
1. Formula
[(I! - 1) x BA] + BA
Index 2 =
EC
where:
I± = Index 1 = Index of air concentration increment
resulting from incinerator emissions
(unitless)
BA = Background concentration of pollutant in
urban air (pg/m3)
EC = Exposure criterion (pg/m3)
2. Sample Calculation
0 19101447 = [(1.031478 - 1) x O.OOQ25 Ug/m3] + 0.00025 ug/m3
0.00135
IV. OCEAN DISPOSAL
Based on the recommendations of the experts at the OWRS meetings
(April-May, 1984), an assessment of this reuse/disposal option is
not being conducted at this time. The U.S. EPA reserves the right
to conduct such an assessment for this option in the future.
A-2
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