Grantee Research Project Results
2020 Progress Report: Development of a Community-Based Lead Risk and Mitigation Model
EPA Grant Number: CR839376Title: Development of a Community-Based Lead Risk and Mitigation Model
Investigators: Cuppett, Jonathan , Cornwell, David , Bonzongo, Jean-Claude J. , McTigue, Nancy
Current Investigators: Cuppett, Jonathan , Zhang, Jian , Cornwell, David , Crawford-Brown, Douglas , Bonzongo, Jean-Claude J. , McTigue, Nancy , Brown, Richard
Institution: Water Research Foundation , Cornwell Research Group , University of Florida
Current Institution: Water Research Foundation
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2021 (Extended to April 30, 2024)
Project Period Covered by this Report: May 1, 2020 through April 30,2021
Project Amount: $1,981,000
RFA: National Priorities: Transdisciplinary Research into Detecting and Controlling Lead in Drinking Water (2017) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , Endocrine Disruptors , Water
Objective:
The objective of this research is to further the science of risk assessment and mitigation for lead (Pb) exposure, and to translate this into practices that limit or even eliminate Pb exposure for drinking water consumers, especially children and pregnant women. This will be accomplished through these specific tasks: (1) generation of a quantitative lead risk based computational model (QLRM) that is built on a comprehensive and enhanced national dataset, (2) identification of opportunities to mitigate Pb exposure in drinking water, and (3) development of a communication framework to educate stakeholders on risk mitigation opportunities.
Progress Summary:
The development of the Lead Risk and Mitigation Model proceeded during this reporting period. The model requires a number of modules, and central to the model is the module to convert water lead levels (WLL) to blood lead levels (BLL) and then to IQ impacts. During this year that module was further developed and reviewed by the research team, the PAC, and EPA.
Similarly, work proceeded on the engineering side of the model, specifically the analysis of datasets to determine factors which affect the WLL in water consumed. Those modules include development of the solubility models for lead release from piping material, establishment of the relationship between LCR compliance data and published BLLs of children and lead source identification through lead isotopes. The latter task requires the collection of blood as well as environmental samples for lead isotope analysis; the team worked with our partner on protocols and sampling requirements. The research team worked during this time to develop a database of lead isotopes and isotope ratios from various waters, plumbing materials, and pipe scales from a number of water systems. This database will help inform the model input regarding lead sources in drinking water.
Concurrently, the research team is developing the web-based application that will allow general utilization of the model. The user interface will primarily be used for visual design and layout and serve as a way for the user to interact with the calculations programmed into the microservices and related database.
Future Activities:
During the next project period, work will focus on the inputs of the model. It is assumed, as indicated by UF, that all laboratory work at UF will resume by June. Concerns over the Covid virus has resulted in the UF laboratories closing, but the UF researchers are working remotely, and all CRG laboratory work is continuing. All of the research team continues to work during this time.
Specific tasks include:
- Continued work on the web application of the model.
- Begin the collection of samples of blood and environmental samples for the lead isotope work.
- Completion of the acquisition of access to the Flint home and conducting sampling at the home.
- Data assembly and organization into a compatible form for use by the model, including the sequential sampling lead data base, and national lead occurrence databases.
- Continue to determine the reduction capability of lead removal devices.
- Hold a workshop in 2021 to gather feedback on the design of the model.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other project views: | All 6 publications | 3 publications in selected types | All 3 journal articles |
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Type | Citation | ||
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Swaringen B, Gawlik E, Kamenov G, McTigue N, Cornwell D, Bonzongo J. Children's exposure to environmental lead:A review of potential sources, blood levels, and methods used to reduce exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022;204. |
CR839376 (2020) |
Exit Exit |
Supplemental Keywords:
Lead, modeling, drinking water, corrosion, service lines, human health effects, human exposure, risk mitigation, metals, lead sources, infrastructure, communication, blood lead level, water lead level, lead isotope analysisRelevant Websites:
Development of a Community-Based Lead Risk and Mitigation Model Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.
Project Research Results
- 2022 Progress Report
- 2021 Progress Report
- 2019 Progress Report
- 2018 Progress Report
- Original Abstract
3 journal articles for this project