Both borate and boric acid come from the naturally occurring element, boron. Borate, BO33', is commonly found in natural rocks, shale and soil after boron combines with oxygen and other elements. Similarly, boric acid, H3BO3, is a boron compound in liquid form. It is commonly found in areas with high volcanic activity. As a natural insecticide, people have been using boron compounds for centuries to preserve and clean food.
Significance
As GreenFacts.org explains, plants cannot live without boron. They rely on it to control flowering, pollen production, germination and fruit development. In addition, borate helps distribute sugars away from dying areas and into developing leaves and roots, and boric acid is present in plants' biological fluids. Knowing how much their crops rely on this vital nutrient, farmers consider boron-rich soil ideal for planting.
Types
Farmers prefer borate over boric acid because it naturally absorbs into the soil easier. Although boric acid is only slightly fat-soluble, borate will readily accumulate in fats and soil at various levels depending on temperature, available light, pH level and the concentration of other vital elements such as potassium and calcium. In addition, borate is more accessible and is commonly found in natural water sources.
Considerations
Soil containing a significant amount of boron is rare. GreenFacts.org explains that although boron levels range from 0.1 to 3 mg/kg of soil, most of the boron found in soil is attached to non-soluble minerals or substances such as clay. Furthermore, seawater contains an average of 5 mg of boron per liter, and fresh water sources such as lakes, rivers and streams contain well below 1 mg of boron per liter.
Expert Insight
Borax, based in Boron, Calif., is a leading borate supplier and research facility. According to their website, borates are key ingredients in a number of consumer products, including fiberglass, soaps, ceramics, pesticides and wood treatments. As the company explains, "Plants need borates to grow, and it seems people need them, too. Not only as a nutritionally important part of their diet, but also as an essential ingredient in a dazzling array of the products we use every day."
Warning
Avoid consuming boric acid or borates. Although usually only present in trace amounts, it is considered a dangerous poison in concentrated doses. In addition, continually using boric acid to treat wounds can lead to chronic poisoning. If you think you may have been exposed to a harmful dose of boric acid, call 911 or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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