Titanium [Ti, 22]

Titanium (Ti), a lustrous-silver transition metal of group 4 in the periodic table of elements, is the ninth-most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It shows strong lithophillic and oxyphillic properties. Titanium contents in soils vary from 100 to 24,000 mg/kg, being the lowest in histosols. Aquatic biota, especially seaweeds, accumulate Ti within the range of 22–60 mg/kg. Titanium concentration in the atmosphere is mainly of terrestrial origin. However, anthropogenic sources of Ti are also of great importance, which is clearly demonstrated by its highly elevated amounts in air of urban and industrial regions. Levels of Ti in plants vary considerable within the range of 0.15–80 mg/kg, and in food plants it ranges from about 0.1–7.0 mg/kg. Titanium does not play a significant role in any human body functions and is relatively non-toxic, because the body can tolerate relatively high doses, and it is not accumulated. Titanium halogen intake causes nausea and vomiting, and acidifies the body after its resorption.