AWWA ACE93195

The main objectives of the present study were to investigate brass corrosion mechanisms, and to develop a new, effective process to control drinking water lead contamination contributed from brass fixtures. A lead-selective chemical treatment process was developed for the control of drinking water lead contamination contributed from brass fixtures. Metallic lead in the brass surface was oxidized with a solution containing approximately 0.01 M cupric chloride and pH - 2.0. The oxidized lead and also some zinc dissolved into the treatment solution and was replaced by more stable metallic copper. The formation of a copper-enriched, lead-depleted surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray emission spectroscopy. Brass surfaces in contact with water tend to undergo a slower aging process called dezincification which ultimately results in the formation of copper-enriched surfaces. The process developed in this study was an accelerated version of dezincification. Consequently, the copper-enriched interface should be stable and prevent lead contamination beyond the 92 days of exposure investigated.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1993

ISBN(s):

0898677149

Number of Pages:

28

File Size:

1 file , 990 KB