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ARSENIC DESORPTION FROM DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Citation:
LYTLE, D. A., D. D. DIONYSIOU, AND C. B. COPELAND. ARSENIC DESORPTION FROM DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. Presented at 1st. International Environmental Science and Technology Conference, New Orleans, LA, January 23 - 26, 2005.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has recently lowered the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic from 0.050 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L for all community and non-community water sources. The new MCL for arsenic must be met by January 2006. Recent studies have found that drinking water distribution system solids can concentrate arsenic if present in the source water. The objective of this study was to determine whether arsenic concentrated on real drinking water distribution system solids desorb into water and how does water chemistry impact the rate and degree of desorption. The study found that arsenic does desorb from drinking water distribution system solids, and pH is a primary factor that controlled the rate and extent of arsenic release. Higher arsenic concentrations were seen at pH 9 than at lower pH ranges. The research findings will help water utilities predict the tendency of arsenic that can be released into the treated water.