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How does silicon occur in natural water and the atmosphere?

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A periodic table element square for silicon shows atomic number 14, symbol Si, atomic weight range, electron configuration, and name. Icons indicate it is a solid nonmetal with diamond crystal structure and equal relative strength. Labels explain each property. — silicon Chemical properties of the element silicon.

Silicon occurs in natural waters and the atmosphere in the following ways:

In Natural Waters

Silicon is present in all natural waters, where it plays a significant role in regulating organic production in the oceans.12
* River Water: Silicon is a major constituent of dissolved solids in rivers, typically occurring as dissolved monomeric silicic acid. On average, silica makes up approximately 13.1 parts per million of the dissolved material delivered by rivers to the sea.23
* Ocean Water: While seawater is derived in part from river water, the concentrations of elements differ significantly due to various geochemical processes. Silicon remains an important nutrient element in the ocean, influencing biological activity.2

In the Atmosphere

In the atmosphere, silicon occurs primarily in the form of siliceous dust. This particulate matter can be suspended in the air and transported across various regions.1

It is important to note that while silicon compounds are generally nontoxic, the inhalation of dust containing alpha-quartz (a form of silicon dioxide) can lead to silicosis, a serious lung disease.4