Influence of water chemistry on the dissolution rates of lead corrosion products

  • Daniel Giammar
  • , James Noel
  • , Yanjiao Xie
  • , Katherine Nelson
  • , Yin Wang
  • , Vidhi Singhal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The dissolution of lead corrosion products that are present as scales on lead pipes in distribution systems can be a source of lead to drinking water. Corrosion products that develop in pipe scales include lead(II) oxides, carbonates, and phosphates as well as lead(IV) oxides when high concentrations of free chlorine are present. Changes in treatment processes that influence the distribution system water chemistry have the potential to enhance or inhibit the dissolution of lead-containing corrosion products. The dissolution rates of three lead-containing solids that have been observed in distribution systems have been systematically measured as a function of important water chemistry parameters. The lead corrosion products studied are the lead(II) carbonate hydrocerussite, the lead(II) phosphate hydroxylpyromorphite, and the lead(IV) oxide plattnerite. Dissolution rates were varied as a function of pH, dissolved inorganic carbon, orthophosphate concentration, and the presence or absence of monochloramine. The dissolution rates of all three corrosion products were strongly influenced by pH. The presence of phosphate dramatically decreased the dissolution rate of all three phases; for hydrocerussite, the addition of phosphate induced the gradual transformation of the lead(II) carbonate solid into a lead(II) phosphate solid. The influence of dissolved inorganic carbon was more complex. 2009

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2009
Pages2422-2427
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2009
EventWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2009 - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Nov 15 2009Nov 19 2009

Publication series

NameWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2009

Conference

ConferenceWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period11/15/0911/19/09

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