Effect of Nitrification and GAC Filtration on Copper and Lead Leaching in Home Plumbing Systems
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134, Issue 7
Abstract
Nitrification and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration impact leaching of lead/copper to potable water under typical home plumbing configurations. GAC filters removed the disinfectant and caused rapid establishment of nitrification in chloraminated systems. The potential adverse consequences of whole house GAC filters deserve increased scrutiny in chloraminated systems. The lower pH values from nitrification and other microbes during overnight stagnation in pipes can markedly increase (up to 800%) lead and copper contamination of water.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. NSFDMI-0329474, American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF), and Blacksburg-Christiansburg VPI Water Authority and Virginia Water Resources Research Center. The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF, AWWARF, and VPI. The writers would also like to thank Rebecca Lattyak, Mariaam Waheed, Meredith Raetz, and Jeff Coyne for helping with water changes and sample collections.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 134 • Issue 7 • July 2008
Pages: 521 - 530
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 7, 2007
Accepted: Dec 10, 2007
Published online: Jul 1, 2008
Published in print: Jul 2008
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