Re: [Phys-l] Isotope chemistry and physics

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

John Clement wrote:
> ...  It is
> doubtful that D2O is necessary, but over the millennia it may be that the
> trace amount in water has been accommodated so its removal may be very
> slightly harmful.  Has anyone looked at what happens to critters raised on  pure H2O with the D2O removed? 
Not pure exactly but with a D2O fraction reduced to a third of its 
normal concentration. In rats, their mobility seemed enhanced. (High 
proportions can lead to lethargy or aggressive behavior (!!) , apparently)
The most striking paper - pre WWII - that I came across, concerned the 
dosing of a single individual - a man - with a 10% D2O solution  so that 
over a period of 40 days his cumulative ingestion was about a liter of 
100% D2O.     The paper did not remark on adverse effects.   This has 
some similarity to the clinical use of mercury in the long ago, so that 
one patient was provided with 3 lbs weight of metallic mercury as a 
stomach load.
(I have to remind myself that it is methyl mercury that does greater 
damage)

Brian W