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Lead in Drinking Water Chemistry, Sampling and Other Areas of Interest
Citation:
Lytle, D. Lead in Drinking Water Chemistry, Sampling and Other Areas of Interest. Presented at College Arts and Sciences Colloquium, Cincinnati, OH, February 14, 2020.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation will be given to students who attend the College Arts and Sciences Colloquium at the University of Cincinnati. The areas of interest will be chemistry, sampling and other areas of interest. Redox potential can impact lead oxidation state and associated lead solubility. Changes in redox potential can result in lead release. Pb(II) solubility is impacted by pH and DIC. Orthophosphate reduces Pb(II) solubility through the formation of Pb-phosphates minerals. A variety of sampling approaches are available. It is important to choose the best approach to answer the question asked.
Description:
Lead is a toxin with human health implications, particularly with children. In drinking water, lead can enter the water from leaded plumbing materials in homes and other buildings including service lines, leaded solders and brasses. The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule has established a lead action level of 15 µg/L. Lead reduction strategies in drinking water involve encouraging the formation of lead minerals with relatively low solubility (e.g., orthophosphate addition, pH/alkalinity adjustment).