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ALUMINUM-CONTAINING SCALES IN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: PREVALENCE AND COMPOSITION
Citation:
Snoeyink, V. L., M R. Schock*, P. Sarin, L. Wang, A. Chen, AND S M. Harmon*. ALUMINUM-CONTAINING SCALES IN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: PREVALENCE AND COMPOSITION. Gimbel, R., Edward, J.K., Suzuki, M. (ed.), JOURNAL OF WATER SUPPLY RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY - AQUA. IWA Publishing, London, Uk, 52(7):455-474, (2003).
Description:
Aluminum (Al) deposits in distribution systems can have important detrimental effects on tap water quality because they can increase turbidity and interfere with disinfection, and they can increase energy loss during water transport. There is also the possibility that they have a protective effect on pipe surfaces and thereby reduce metal ion release, but relatively little is known about this effect and the composition of these deposits. Aluminum scale stability may be an important issue with respect to treatment optimization for regulatory compliance because of its possible protective effect. In this paper we summarize what is known about these scales and the sources of the aluminum that comprises them. We also present new data on the elemental composition of scales found in selected systems in the USA and discuss important areas of future research.