Lead(IV) oxide formation from lead(0) and lead(II) precursors at conditions relevant to drinking water distribution

  • Yin Wang
  • , Yanjiao Xie
  • , Wenlu Li
  • , Zimeng Wang
  • , Daniel E. Giammar

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

Abstract

Lead(IV) oxide is a corrosion product that develops on lead pipes used for drinking water supply, and its stability can control lead concentrations in tap water. The rate and extent of lead(IV) oxide formation is affected by water chemistry. Water chemistry can also control which specific lead(IV) oxide, scrutinyite (α-PbO2) or plattnerite (β-PbO2), is formed. Knowledge of the mechanisms of lead(IV) oxide formation and the identity of the lead(IV) oxide phases present can be useful for predicting lead release in response to changes of the water chemistry. Such knowledge can be valuable for managing lead concentrations in drinking water distribution systems. A set of batch experiments were performed to examine the formation of lead(IV) oxide as a function of time, pH, the presence of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and free chlorine concentration. Experiments were conducted with lead(0) powder and four lead(II) compounds that are precursors for lead(IV) oxide formation: lead(II) chloride (PbCl2), massicot (β-PbO), cerussite (PbCO3), and hydrocerussite (Pb3(OH) 2(CO3)2). Experiments were conducted for up to 1 month, and the pH and free chlorine concentration were monitored regularly. The solids were characterized following different reaction times by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to identify secondary phases and observe changes in particle morphology. Lead(IV) oxide formed in the absence as well as the presence of DIC. The identity of the lead(IV) oxide was strongly related to the starting phases. Scrutinyite formed from hydrocerussite, and mixtures of scrutinyite and plattnerite formed from massicot and cerussite. At pH 7.5, a mixture of scrutinyite and plattnerite formed from lead(II) chloride solution, while at pH 10, pure plattnerite formed due to the formation of an intermediate lead(II) oxide chloride (Pb4O3Cl 2.H2O) solid. When starting with massicot, the presence of DIC increased the formation rate of lead(IV) oxide and changed the identity of lead(IV) oxide formed. The identity of lead(IV) oxide formed was pH-dependent in the presence of DIC. Lower pH favored plattnerite£¬ and higher pH resulted in scrutinyite formation. However, this trend was not observed in the absence of DIC. These results indicate that DIC affected the mechanism of lead(IV) oxide formation by promoting the precipitation of different intermediate solids. 2010

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2010
Pages3025-3034
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2010
EventWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2010 - Savannah, GA, United States
Duration: Nov 14 2010Nov 18 2010

Publication series

NameWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2010

Conference

ConferenceWater Quality Technology Conference and Exposition 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySavannah, GA
Period11/14/1011/18/10

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