Modeling Soluble and Particulate Lead Release into Drinking Water from Full and Partially Replaced Lead Service Lines

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04994
• Publication Date: 2017-02-21T22:38:17Z
• Authors: Ahmed A. Abokifa; Pratim Biswas
• Keywords: Lead (geology)

Partial replacement of lead service lines (LSLs) often results in the excessive long-term release particulates due to disturbance pipe scale and galvanic corrosion. In this study, a modeling approach simulate transport particulate dissolved from full partially replaced LSLs is developed. A mass-transfer model coupled with stochastic residential water demand generator investigate effect normal household usage flow patterns on exposure. The calibrated by comparing simulation against experimental measurements pilot-scale setups where under different rates chemistry scenarios was reported. Applying within Monte Carlo framework, partial LSL predicted result releasing spikes significantly high concentrations (1011.9 ± 290.3 μg/L) that were five times higher than those released simulated LSL. Sensitivity analysis revealed intensity demands affects release, while levels are more dependent lengths stagnation periods. Preflushing prior regulatory sampling found underestimate maximum monthly exposure 19%, at low (<5.2 LPM) consistently suppress induced mobilization.