Iron occurs naturally in soil, sediments and
ground water and can be found in many types of rocks. Iron can be present in
water in two forms; the soluble ferrous iron or the insoluble ferric iron.
Water containing ferrous iron is clear and colorless, and when exposed to air
the water turns cloudy causing a reddish brown precipitate of ferric iron
appears.
Iron is an essential trace element for
maintenance of energy metabolism and the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
It can be found in food, such as eggs; lean red meat; and beans, peas, and
other legumes.
