Formation and Aggregation of Lead Phosphate Particles: Implications for Lead Immobilization in Water Supply Systems

Quantitative Insights into Phosphate-Enhanced Lead Immobilization on Goethite

Despite extensive study, geochemical modeling often fails to accurately predict lead (Pb) immobilization in environmental samples. This study employs the Charge Distribution MUlti-SIte Complexation (CD-MUSIC) model, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), and density functional theory (DFT) to investigate mechanisms of phosphate (PO4) induced Pb immobilization on metal (hydr)oxides. The results reveal that PO4 mainly enhances bidentate-adsorbed Pb on goethite via electrostatic synergy at low PO4 concentrations. At relatively low pH (below 5.5) and elevated PO4 concentrations, the formation of the monodentate-O-sharing Pb-PO4 ternary structure on goethite becomes important. Precipitation of hydropyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3OH) occurs at high pH and high concentrations of Pb and PO4, with an optimized log Ksp value of -82.02. The adjustment of log Ksp compared to that in the bulk solution allows for quantification of the overall Pb-PO4 precipitation enhanced by goethite. The CD-MUSIC model parameters for both the bidentate Pb complex and the monodentate-O-sharing Pb-PO4 ternary complex were optimized. The modeling results and parameters are further validated and specified with XAFS analysis and DFT calculations. This study provides quantitative molecular-level insights into the contributions of electrostatic enhancement, ternary complexation, and precipitation to phosphate-induced Pb immobilization on oxides, which will be helpful in resolving controversies regarding Pb distribution in environmental samples.

Heterogeneous Coprecipitation of Nanocrystals with Metals on Substrates

ConspectusThe heterogeneous coprecipitation of nanocrystals with metals on substrates plays a significant role in both natural and engineered systems. Due to the small dimensions and thereby the large specific surface area, nanocrystal coprecipitation with metals, which is ubiquitous in natural settings, exerts drastic effects on the biogeochemical cycling of metals on the earth's crust. Meanwhile, the controlled synthesis of nanocrystals with metal doping to achieve tunable size/composition enables their broad applications as adsorbents and catalysts in many engineered settings. Despite their importance, complex interactions among aqueous ions/polymers, nanocrystals, substrates, and metals are far from being well-understood, leaving the controlling mechanisms for nanocrystal formation with metals on substrates uncovered.In this Account, we discuss our systematic investigation over the past 10 years of the heterogeneous formation of representative nanocrystals with metals on typical substrates. We chose Fe(OH)3 and BaSO4 as representative nanocrystals. Mechanisms for varied metal coprecipitation were also investigated for both types of nanocrystals (i.e., Fe, Al, Cr, Cu, and Pb)(OH)3 and (Ba, Sr)(SO4, SeO4, and SeO3)). Bare SiO2 and Al2O3, as well as those coated with varied organics, were selected as geologically or synthetically representative substrates. Through the integration of state-of-the-art nanoscale interfacial characterization techniques with theoretical calculations, the complex interactions during nanocrystal formation at interfaces were probed and the controlling mechanisms were identified.For BaSO4 and Fe(OH)3 formation on substrates, the local supersaturation levels near substrates were controlled by Ba2+ adsorption and the electrostatic attraction of Fe(OH)3 monomer/polymer to substrates, respectively. Meanwhile, substrate hydrophobicity controlled the interfacial energy for the nucleation of both nanocrystals on (in)organic substrates. Metal ions' (i.e., Cr/Al/Cu/Pb) hydrolysis constants and substrates' dielectric constants controlled metal ion adsorption onto substrates, which altered the surface charges of substrates, thus controlling heterogeneous Fe(OH)3 nanocrystal formation on substrates by electrostatic interactions. The sizes and compositions of heterogeneous (Fe, Cr)(OH)3 and (Ba, Sr)(SO4, SeO4, SeO3) formed on substrates were found to be distinct from those of homogeneous precipitates formed in solution. The substrate (de)protonation could alter the local solution's pH and the substrates' surface charge; substrates could also adsorb cations, affecting local Fe/Cr/Ba/Sr ion concentrations at solid-water interfaces, thus controlling the amount/size/composition of nanocrystals by tuning their nucleation/growth/deposition on substrates. From slightly supersaturated solution, homogeneous coprecipitates of microsized (Ba, Sr)(SO4, SeO4, SeO3) formed through growth, with little Sr/Se(VI) incorporation due to higher solubilities of SrSO4 and BaSeO4 over BaSO4. While cation enrichment near substrates made the local solution highly supersaturated, nanosized coprecipitates formed on substrates through nucleation, with more Sr/Se(VI) incorporation due to lower interfacial energies of SrSO4 and BaSeO4 over BaSO4. The new insights gained advanced our understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of varied elements at solid-water interfaces and of the controlled synthesis of functional nanocrystals.

An evaluation of properly operated NSF/ANSI-53 Pb certified drinking water filters in Benton Harbor, MI

Communities across the United States and particularly in the Midwest continue to grapple with the complications associated with aging infrastructure. This includes the presence of lead (Pb)-bearing plumbing components such as lead service lines, downstream galvanized iron pipes, and Pb/tin solder. The community of Benton Harbor, MI, experienced six Pb action level exceedances between 2018 and 2021, leading to increasing community concern and a request from the state of Michigan for the US Environmental Protection Agency involvement. Between 9 November and 17 December 2021, US EPA Region 5 and Office of Research and Development, along with the state of Michigan, conducted a water filter efficacy and Pb-nanoparticulate (<100 nm) study to evaluate the performance of NSF/ANSI-53 Pb-certified drinking water filters and the presence of nanoparticulate. In this study, a total of 199 properly installed and operated drinking water filters (combination of faucet mounted and pitcher) were tested in their residential locations. One hundred percent of the water filters were found to perform to the standard to which they were certified, with filtered drinking water Pb concentrations below 5 ppb (maximum observed was 2.5 ppb). In addition, Pb particulate was identified; however, discrete Pb-containing nanoparticles were not widely found or identified.

Phosphorus-modified bone chars with developed porosity for efficient removal of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II)

Guided by the concept of treating the wastes with wastes, the efficient use of bone residuals as separation materials is worthy of study. Since bone chars (BCs) are composed of hydroxyapatite and carbon matrix, it is desired to extend the carbon component with improved pore structure and abundant modified groups further, which is favorable to capture metal ions. In this work, phosphorus-modified BCs (PBCs) were fabricated by pretreating bone residuals with phytic acid, achieving improved surface areas (208.7-517.6 m2/g, 37.9-8.2-fold of enhancement) and abundant surface phosphorus contents (5.63-7.54 at.%, 2.8-5.8-fold of enhancement) than BCs. PBCs could adsorb heavy metals with fast kinetics (10.0 h) and excellent maximum capacities (463.9, 156.5, and 80.9 mg/g for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II)). Spectroscopic results demonstrated that the formation of precipitation was crucial for the enrichment of Pb(II). Moreover, the coordination with functional groups (O-/reductive N-species), the cation exchange with inorganic Ca2+, the electrostatic attraction with deprotonated O-, and the cation-π coordination should also be considered for the sorption. Our study facilitated the application of activated bone wastes as a promising candidate to remediate aquatic heavy metals.

Fabrication of electrospun cellulose/chitosan/ball-milled bone char membranes for efficient and selective sorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions

Separation materials have received increasing attention given their broad applications in the management of environmental pollution. It is desired to balance the contradiction between high separation efficiency and selectivity of separation materials. The integration of ball-milled bone chars with electrospun membranes might achieve this balance. In this study, electrospun cellulose/chitosan/ball-milled bone char (CL/CS/MB) membranes were by well-dispersing ball-milled bone chars with nanoscale size (98.9-167.5 nm) and developed porosity (40.2-373.1 m2/g) in the electrospinning solvent. The synergistic integration of distributed MBs (5.4-31.5 wt.% of loading hydroxyapatite on the membrane matrix) allowed the efficient sorption of Pb(II) with fast kinetics (20.0 min), excellent capacity (219.9 mg/g at pH 5.0, T 298 K), and favorable selectivity coefficients (2.76-6.79). The formation of minerals was dominant for the selective sorption of Pb(II) by combining the spectral analysis and quantitative determination. The surface complexation with O-/reductive N-species, the cation exchange with inorganic Ca2+, the electrostatic attraction with deprotonated O-, and the cation-π coordination with the aromatic carbon via the π-electrons should be not ignored for the capture of Pb(II). This work demonstrated the feasibility of electrospun CL/CS/MB membranes as a promising candidate for the remediation of aquatic pollutants.

Iron particles lower than 10 μm in drinking water dominate particle catalysis effect on disinfection byproduct formation

Iron particles could catalyze disinfection by-product (DBP) formation in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS), but the catalytic effects of iron particles considering size effects have not been focused. Here, we first found that fine particles (lower than 10 μm) dominated the particle catalysis effect of the iron particles on the formation of DBPs containing multiple Cl atoms (DBP-3Cl), especially those with aromatic structure and containing multiple N atoms (DBP-3N). The loose deposit particles were filtered through 50 μm (F50), 10 μm (F10) and 1 μm (F10) membranes, and their turbidity values were 231.6, 53.4 and 1.1 NTU, respectively. In mass ratio, F50, F10 and F1 accounted for 84 %, 15 % and 1 % of unfiltered samples. Notably, the lower mass F10 generated more DBP-3Cl and DBP-3N than F50. Metal crystals and natural organic matters showed little difference among different sizes. The high catalytic activity of particles in F10 due to size effect was proved to be the essential mechanism. F1 contained few particles to affect DBP formation. In toxicity evaluation, the toxicity of F10 was even higher than F50. Therefore, fine particles with sizes lower than 10 μm may play a dominate role in the catalytic effect on DBP transformation in DWDS.

Removal of Pb(II) and phosphorus in water by γ-Al2O3/biochar

In this work, we synthesized activated alumina biochar composites (γ-Al₂O₃/BC) by sol-gel method, which improved the problem that the surface charge of γ-Al₂O₃ was not conducive to the removal of heavy metal cation in a neutral solution, and then explored the feasibility of removing Pb(II) by γ-Al₂O₃/BC as well as reusing Pb-laden waste sludge to remove phosphorus (P) and its micro-adsorption mechanisms. The results show that the maximum adsorption capacity of γ-Al₂O₃/BC for Pb(II) is 182.48 mg/g, and the removing capacity of recycled Pb-laden slag for P also reaches 87.13 mg/g. It was found that the presence of Pb in the slag makes P removal more effective. In addition, in the process of P removal, the Pb in the slag will not be released, which will not cause secondary pollution to the water. The micro-adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) and P on the composites was investigated by XPS, XRD, and FTIR. It demonstrates that special functional groups such as hydroxy-aluminum, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups can remove Pb(II) through strong surface complexation and electrostatic attraction. Furthermore, the removal mechanism of P from Pb-laden sludge includes chemisorption and complexation, and the precipitation of P and Pb on the adsorbent surface is the main reason for the removal of P. Therefore, it is feasible to further effectively remove P by using the waste biochar containing Pb. The idea of this paper provides a potential method for the reuse of waste adsorbent.

Comparative study on effects of pH, electrolytes, and humic acid on the stability of acetic and polyacrylic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles

The poor colloidal stability of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) limits their mobility and application, so various organic coatings (OCs) were applied to MNPs. Here, a comparative study on the colloidal stability of MNPs coated with acetic (HAc) and polyacrylic acids (PAA) was conducted under varied pH (5.0-9.0) in the presence of different concentrations of cations and anions, as well as humic acid (HA). Comparing the effects of various cations and anions, the stability of both HAc/PAA-MNPs followed the order: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺and PO₄^3- > SO₄^2- > Cl^-, which could be explained by their adsorption behaviors onto HAc/PAA-MNPs and the resulting surface charge changes. Under all conditions even with more anion adsorption onto HAc-MNPs (0.14-22.56 mg/g) than onto PAA-MNPs (0.04-18.34 mg/g), PAA-MNPs were more negatively charged than HAc-MNPs, as PAA has a lower pH_IEP (2.6 ± 0.1) than that of HAc (3.7 ± 0.1). Neither the HAc nor PAA coatings were displaced by phosphate even at considerably high phosphate concentration. Compared with HAc-MNPs, the stability of PAA-MNPs was greatly improved under all studied conditions, which could be due to both stronger electrostatic and additional steric repulsion forces among PAA-MNPs. Besides, under all conditions, Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) explained well the aggregation kinetic of HAc-MNPs; while extended DLVO (EDLVO) successfully predict that of PAA-MNPs, indicating steric forces among PAA-MNPs. The aggregation of HAc/PAA-MNPs was all inhibited in varied electrolyte solutions by HA (2 mg C/L) addition. This study suggested that carboxyl coatings with higher molecular weights and pK_a values could stabilize MNPs better due to stronger electrostatic and additional steric repulsion. However, in the presence of HA, these two forces were mainly controlled by adsorbed HA instead of the organic pre-coatings on MNPs.

Natural organic matter flocculation behavior controls lead phosphate particle aggregation by mono- and divalent cations

Phosphate addition is commonly applied to remediate lead contaminated sites via the formation of lead phosphate particles with low solubility. However, the effects of natural organic matter (NOM) with different properties, as well as the contributions of specific interactions (particle-particle, particle-NOM, and NOM-NOM) in enhanced stabilization or flocculation of the particles, are not currently well understood. This study investigates the influence of two aquatic NOM and two soil or coal humic acid (HA) extracts on the aggregation behavior of lead phosphate particles and explores the controlling mechanisms. All types of NOM induced disaggregation and steric stabilization of the particles in the presence of Na⁺ (100 mM) or low (1 mM) Ca²⁺ concentrations, as well as at low NOM concentrations (1 mg_C/L). However, for the soil and coal HA, a threshold at NOM concentrations of 10 mg_C/L and high (3 mM) Ca²⁺ concentrations was observed where bridging flocculation (rather than steric stabilization) occurred. In situ attenuated total reflectance - Fourier transform infrared characterization confirmed adsorption of the soil and coal humic acid extracts (10 mg_C/L) onto the surface of the lead phosphate particles in 3 mM Ca²⁺, whereas dynamic and static light scattering demonstrated extensive HA flocculation that dominated the overall scattered light intensities. These results imply that the accelerated aggregation was induced by a combination of HA adsorption and bridging flocculation by Ca²⁺. Overall, this research demonstrates that the type of NOM is critical to predict the colloidal stability of lead phosphate particles. Aquatic NOM stabilized the particles under all conditions evaluated, but soil or coal HA with higher molecular weight and aromaticity showed highly variable stabilization or flocculation behavior depending on the HA and Ca²⁺ concentrations available to adsorb to the particles and participate in bridging. These results provide new mechanistic insights on particle stabilization or destabilization by NOM.

A review of long-term change in surface water natural organic matter concentration in the northern hemisphere and the implications for drinking water treatment

Reduced atmospheric acid deposition has given rise to recovery from acidification - defined as increasing pH, acid neutralization capacity (ANC), or alkalinity in surface waters. Strong evidence of recovery has been reported across North America and Europe, driving chemical responses. The primary chemical responses identified in this review were increasing concentration and changing character of natural organic matter (NOM) towards predominantly hydrophobic nature. The concentration of NOM also influenced trace metal cycling as many browning surface waters also reported increases in Fe and Al. Further, climate change and other factors (e.g., changing land use) act in concert with reductions in atmospheric deposition to contribute to widespread browning and will have a more pronounced effect as deposition stabilizes. The observed water quality trends have presented challenges for drinking water treatment (e.g., increased chemical dosing, poor filter operations, formation of disinfection by-products) and many facilities may be under designed as a result. This comprehensive review has identified key research areas to be addressed, including 1) a need for comprehensive monitoring programs (e.g., larger timescales; consistency in measurements) to assess climate change impacts on recovery responses and NOM dynamics, and 2) a better understanding of drinking water treatment vulnerabilities and the transition towards robust treatment technologies and solutions that can adapt to climate change and other drivers of changing water quality.

Highly effective biosorption capacity of Cladosporium sp. strain F1 to lead phosphate mineral and perovskite solar cell PbI2

Fungus Cladosporium sp. strain F1 showed highly effective biosorption capacity to lead phosphate mineral and perovskite solar cells lead iodide compared to other fungi Aspergillus niger VKMF-1119 and Mucor ramannianus R-56. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses shows that Cladosporium sp. strain F1, which previously showed high biosorption capacity to uranium phosphate nanorods and nanoplates, can accumulate lead phosphate mineral and lead iodide on the fungal hyphae surface in large amounts under a wide range of pH conditions, while A. niger VKMF-1119 and M. ramannianus R-56 adsorbed small amounts of minerals. After biosorption of lead iodide minerals on Cladosporium sp. strain F1, aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (50%) at pH 2 (70 °C) released the mineral more than 99%. Based on the fungal surface analyses, hydrophobic properties on the surfaces of Cladosporium sp. strain F1 could affect the higher biosorption capacity of strain F1 to lead phosphate mineral and lead iodide as compared to other tested fungi. Cladosporium sp. strain F1 may be the novel biosorbents to remediate the phosphate rich environment and to recover lead from perovskite solar cells lead iodide.

Early phase effects of silicate and orthophosphate on lead (Pb) corrosion scale development and Pb release

Orthophosphate is widely used to control lead (Pb) release in drinking water distribution systems, but phosphorus addition is not sustainable. Alternative corrosion control treatments are needed, and sodium silicate is one possibility. Here, pre-corroded Pb coupons-with and without free chlorine-were used to examine early-phase corrosion scale development after silicate addition, with orthophosphate as a reference corrosion inhibitor. Scale development was evaluated in terms of total Pb release, phase transformation, electrochemical impedance, morphological changes, Pb dissolution kinetics, and short-term Pb-Cu galvanic corrosion. Elevated Pb release occurred for approximately one month after silicate addition, and total Pb release peaked at 1968.1 μg/L and 1176.9 μg/L from systems with and without free chlorine, respectively. In contrast, orthophosphate-treated coupons exhibited fewer, less pronounced spikes in Pb release. By day 354, the median total Pb release from orthophosphate-treated coupons with and without free chlorine had decreased to 3.7 and 5.0 μg/L, respectively, while the median total Pb release from corresponding silicate-treated coupons was much higher, at 44.9 μg/L and 34.3 μg/L. Calcium lead apatite (Ca_0.56Pb_3.77(PO₄)₃OH_0.67) was identified in orthophosphate-treated scales, with hydroxylpyromorphite (Pb₅(PO₄)₃OH) present in the absence of free chlorine. Plattnerite occurred on coupons in all chlorinated systems. Pb silicate compounds were not detected, but Ca₂SiO₄ and Na₂Ca₂(SiO₃)₃ were identified by X-ray powder diffraction. The charge transfer: film resistance ratio characterizing the orthophosphate-treated coupons decreased slowly while that of the silicate-treated coupons increased after silicate was added. These variations suggest orthophosphate provided better corrosion control than silicate did. Silicate treatment generally caused degradation of the top Pb scale layer, resulting in elevated Pb release, while orthophosphate encouraged the growth of more structured, generally thicker, corrosion scales that were effective in limiting Pb release.

Impacts of orthophosphate-polyphosphate blends on the dissolution and transformation of lead (II) carbonate

Orthophosphate-polyphosphate blends are commonly used to control lead release into drinking water, but little is known about how they interact with lead corrosion scale. Conventional corrosion control practice assumes that orthophosphate controls lead release by forming insoluble Pb-phosphate minerals, but this does not always occur, and under certain conditions, phosphate blends may increase lead release. Here, we used continuously-stirred tank reactors to compare orthophosphate-polyphosphate blends with orthophosphate on the basis of lead (II) carbonate dissolution and transformation at environmentally relevant phosphate concentrations. Three model polyphosphates-tripoly-, trimeta- and hexametaphosphate-were used. Hexametaphosphate was the strongest complexing agent (1.60-2.10 mol_Pb/mol_{Polyphosphate}), followed by tripolyphosphate and trimetaphosphate (1.00 and 0.07 mol_Pb/mol_{Polyphosphate}, respectively. At equivalent orthophosphate and polyphosphate concentrations (as P), orthophosphate-trimetaphosphate had minimal impact on lead release, while orthophosphate-tripolyphosphate increased dissolved lead. Orthophosphate-hexametaphosphate also increased dissolved lead, but only over a 24-h stagnation. Both orthophosphate-tripolyphosphate and orthophosphate-hexametaphosphate increased colloidal lead after 24-h. Increasing the concentrations of hexameta- and tripoly-phosphate increased dissolved lead release, while all three polyphosphates inhibited the formation of hydroxypyromorphite and reduced the phosphorus content of the resulting lead solids. We attributed the impacts of orthophosphate-polyphosphates to a combination of complexation, adsorption, colloidal dispersion, polyphosphate hydrolysis, and lead mineral precipitation.

Understanding point-of-use tap water quality: From instrument measurement to intelligent analysis using sample filtration

In most cases, point-of-use tap water quality is not routinely monitored due to widely-dispersed sampling sites and the costly tests. Although previous studies have revealed the variation of drinking water quality during distribution in municipal networks, the influence of aging pipes in buildings on quality is still unknown and this makes it difficult for water utilities to conduct regular maintenance. Herein, we have undertaken a survey of tap water samples across 8 districts in Beijing (China) to evaluate the potential effects of pipe age on point-of-use water quality, including turbidity, organic matter characteristics, and bacterial community. By grouping the collected samples according to the pipe age and source water respectively, the results suggested that bacterial diversity is significantly influenced by the pipe age. However, bacterial community structure is clearly influenced by the source water. Similarly, aging pipes in buildings are also responsible for the deterioration of the final water quality, and their effects have been closely linked to selected water quality parameters by evaluating the relevant factors. Moreover, the interrelationships between physico-chemical parameters and bacteria abundance were identified. For example, pH, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ showed a positive relationship with Bacillus abundance. In addition, an intelligent analysis method for understanding pipe age, organic matter concentration, and hardness (i.e., Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentration), based on image analysis of filtered membranes has been developed. The accuracy of prediction was encouraging, but can be improved with the collection of more data from tap water samples. We expect that this method can be exploited by the public to monitor their tap water and provide a feasible and cost-effective approach for water suppliers to locate aging/deteriorating pipes which need to be replaced or maintained.

Fabrication of a Reusable Carbon Dot/Gold Nanoparticle/Metal-Organic Framework Film for Fluorescence Detection of Lead Ions in Water

Solid-state sensing platforms are desirable for the development of reusable sensors to promote public health measures such as testing for drinking water contamination. A bioinspired metal-organic framework (MOF)-based material has been developed by imitating metal-protein interactions in biological systems to attain high sensitivity and selectivity to Pb²⁺ through fluorescence sensing. A zirconium terephthalate-type framework (also known as NH₂-UiO-66) was modified with both gold nanoparticles and thiol-functionalized carbon dots to give HS-C/Au(x)/UiO-66 composites with different Au content (x) and were subsequently adapted into films that show extraordinary sensitivity to Pb²⁺. The HS-C/Au(1.4)/UiO-66 film that consists of 1.4 wt % Au shows a quenching response with the limit of detection of 80 parts per trillion and sustained performance for five cycles. Moreover, the fluorescence response of the HS-C/Au(x)/UiO-66 film to Pb²⁺ can be reversed from emission quenching to enrichment of fluorescence by increasing the Au content. The performance of the HS-C/Au(x)/UiO-66 film as a solid-state sensor demonstrates its potential for application in reusable sensing devices to ensure public safety from Pb²⁺ contamination in drinking water.

Seasonal Lead Release into Drinking Water and the Effect of Aluminum

Monitoring lead in drinking water is important for public health, but seasonality in lead concentrations can bias monitoring programs if it is not understood and accounted for. Here, we describe an apparent seasonal pattern in lead release into orthophosphate-treated drinking water, identified through point-of-use sampling at sites in Halifax, Canada, with various sources of lead. Using a generalized additive model, we extracted the seasonally varying components of time series representing a suite of water quality parameters and we identified aluminum as a correlate of lead. To investigate aluminum's role in lead release, we modeled the effect of variscite (AlPO₄·2H₂O) precipitation on lead solubility, and we evaluated the effects of aluminum, temperature, and orthophosphate concentration on lead release from new lead coupons. At environmentally relevant aluminum and orthophosphate concentrations, variscite precipitation increased predicted lead solubility by decreasing available orthophosphate. Increasing the aluminum concentration from 20 to 500 μg L^-1 increased lead release from coupons by 41% and modified the effect of orthophosphate, rendering it less effective. We attributed this to a decrease in the concentration of soluble (<0.45 μm) phosphorus with increasing aluminum and an accompanying increase in particulate lead and phosphorus (>0.45 μm).

Lead phosphate deposition in porous media and implications for lead remediation

Phosphate addition is commonly applied as an effective method to remediate lead contaminated sites via formation of low solubility lead phosphate solids. However, subsequent transport of the lead phosphate particles may impact the effectiveness of this remediation strategy. Hence, this study investigates the mechanisms involved in the aggregation of lead phosphate particles and their deposition in sand columns as a function of typical water chemistry parameters. Clean bed filtration theory was evaluated to predict the particle deposition behavior, using Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory to estimate particle-substrate interactions. The observed particle deposition was not predictable from the primary energy barrier in clean bed filtration models, even in simple monovalent background electrolyte (NaNO3), because weak deposition in a secondary energy minimum prevailed even at low ionic strength, and ripening occurred at ionic strengths of 12.5 mM or higher. For aged (aggregated) suspensions, straining also occurred at 12.5 mM or higher. Aggregation and deposition were further enhanced at low total P/Pb ratios (i.e., P/Pb = 1) and in the presence of divalent cations, such as Ca2+ (≥ 0.2 mM), which resulted in less negative particle surface potentials and weaker electrostatic repulsion forces. However, the presence of 5 mg C/L of humic acid induced strong steric or electrosteric repulsion, which hindered particle aggregation and deposition even in the presence of Ca2+. This study demonstrates the importance of myriad mechanisms in lead phosphate deposition and provides useful information for controlling water chemistry in phosphate applications for lead remediation.

Mineralization of lead by Phanerochaete chrysosporium microcapsules loaded with hydroxyapatite

In this study, microcapsules assembled with Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium, PC) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) were successfully prepared and applied for Pb(II) immobilization in aqueous solution. The effect of different conditions on Pb(II) removal was investigated, such as pH, temperature, dosages of microcapsules and HAP, and initial concentrations of Pb(II). The removal efficiency of Pb(II) was in order of HAP+PC > HAP > PC > CK (control check) at the Pb(II) initial concentration of 100 mg L^-1, which were 87.7%, 82.82%, 63.67% and 2.06%, respectively. Under HAP+PC treatment, P. chrysosporium secreted plentiful organic acids like formic, oxalic and citric acids, when the addition dose of HAP increased from 5 g L^-1 to 15 g L^-1, the production of formic acid increased remarkably from 32.37 g L^-1 to 66.02 g L^-1. After reaction, P. chrysosporium kept a good biological activity evidenced by the live/dead stain test. The characterization results indicated that the insoluble apatite could transform to soluble phosphate due to the secreted organic acids, then reacted with Pb(II) to form pyromorphite [Pb₁₀(PO₄)₆Cl₂] and lead phosphate hydroxide [Pb₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂]. The overall results clearly demonstrated that combining P. chrysosporium with HAP could be used as a promising technology to accelerate lead immobilization.

Identifying schools at high-risk for elevated lead in drinking water using only publicly available data

Estimating the risk of lead contamination of schools' drinking water at the State level is a complex, important, and unexplored challenge. Variable water quality among water systems and changes in water chemistry during distribution affect lead dissolution rates from pipes and fittings. In addition, the locations of lead-bearing plumbing materials are uncertain. We tested the capability of six machine learning models to predict the likelihood of lead contamination of drinking water at the schools' taps using only publicly available datasets. The predictive features used in the models correspond to those with a proven correlation to the dominant, but commonly unavailable, factors that govern lead leaching: the presence of lead-bearing plumbing materials and water quality conducive to lead corrosion. By combining water chemistry data from public reports, socioeconomic information from the US census, and spatial features using Geographic Information Systems, we trained and tested models to estimate the likelihood of lead contaminated tap water in over 8,000 schools across California and Massachusetts. Our best-performing model was a Random Forest, with a 10-fold cross validation score of 0.88 for Massachusetts and 0.78 for California using the average Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC AUC) metric. The model was then used to assign a lead leaching risk category to half of the schools across California (the other half was used for training). There was good agreement between the modeled risk categories and the actual lead leaching outcomes for every school; however, the model overestimated the lead leaching risk in up to 17% of the schools. This model is the first of its kind to offer a tool to predict the risk of lead leaching in schools at the State level. Further use of this model can help deploy limited resources more effectively to prevent childhood lead exposure from school drinking water.

Near-electrode pH change for voltammetric detection of insoluble lead carbonate

Lead contamination of drinking water is a concern to all inhabitants of old cities where lead pipes and soldering are still present. Simple on-site electrochemical detection methods are promising technologies that have gained attention recently. However, conventional electrochemical techniques only quantify soluble forms of lead in water without accounting for insoluble particulates. Herein, a simple voltammetric technique for quantification of insoluble lead species is reported. Lead carbonate (PbCO₃) was used as a model compound to show the possibility of detecting particulate lead species directly in solution without chemical treatment. Specifically, electrochemical generation of protons was used as an alternative method to dissolve PbCO₃ and thus obtain a more realistic assessment of lead contamination. Lead was detected using cathodic stripping square wave voltammetry (CSSWV). After applying a high oxidizing potential to the electrode immersed in a PbCO₃ solution with solid PbCO₃ particulates, a significant increase in current was observed as compared to that of a saturated PbCO₃ solution. The signal was proportional to the amount of added PbCO₃, even when the solubility limit was exceeded. Thus, the combination of a local pH change with CSSWV provides a simple, rapid, and reagentless method for an in-situ detection of insoluble lead species.

Functionalization of kaolinite for removal of phosphate from urban sewage

The PO4 3- widespread in urban sewages promotes eutrophication of water sources, with harmful effects to natural life and endanger human health. The removal of PO4 3- from urban sewage requires treatment at tertiary level, with high costs and low efficiency in most cases. Thus, a functionalization method for surface modification of kaolinite was proposed to improve the removal of PO4 3- from urban sewage. The kaolinite commercial did not remove PO4 3- from aqueous solution. However, the functionalized kaolinite (FK) was efficient, with a maximum removal capacity of 8.4 ± 0.1 mg PO4 3-/L, within less than 1 min of reaction. The removal of PO4 3- is associated with precipitation of pyromorphite, a mineral with low solubility (Ksp < 10-79,6). Finally, real urban sewage samples (raw and treated) were also tested for removal of PO4 3- using FK, confirming its effectiveness. The central aspects of this development are:•Functionalized kaolinite (FK), with Pb(II), for removal of PO4 3- from urban sewage was studied.•The FK was efficient for removal of up to 8.4 mg PO4 3-/L from aqueous solution, within a short reaction time.•The precipitation of pyromorphite was the mechanism responsible for removal of PO4 3- and FK efficiency have been confirmed for real urban sewage samples.

Pb Mineral Precipitation in Solutions of Sulfate, Carbonate and Phosphate: Measured and Modeled Pb Solubility and Pb2+ Activity

Lead (Pb) solubility is commonly limited by dissolution–precipitation reactions of secondary mineral phases in contaminated soils and water. In the research described here, Pb solubility and free Pb2+ ion activities were measured following the precipitation of Pb minerals from aqueous solutions containing sulfate or carbonate in a 1:5 mole ratio in the absence and presence of phosphate over the pH range 4.0–9.0. Using X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, we identified anglesite formed in sulfate-containing solutions at low pH. At higher pH, Pb carbonate and carbonate-sulfate minerals, hydrocerussite and leadhillite, were formed in preference to anglesite. Precipitates formed in the Pb-carbonate systems over the pH range of 6 to 9 were composed of cerussite and hydrocerussite, with the latter favored only at the highest pH investigated. The addition of phosphate into the Pb-sulfate and Pb-carbonate systems resulted in the precipitation of Pb3(PO4)2 and structurally related pyromorphite minerals and prevented Pb sulfate and carbonate mineral formation. Phosphate increased the efficiency of Pb removal from solution and decreased free Pb2+ ion activity, causing over 99.9% of Pb to be precipitated. Free Pb2+ ion activities measured using the ion-selective electrode revealed lower values than predicted from thermodynamic constants, indicating that the precipitated minerals may have lower KSP values than generally reported in thermodynamic databases. Conversely, dissolved Pb was frequently greater than predicted based on a speciation model using accepted thermodynamic constants for Pb ion-pair formation in solution. The tendency of the thermodynamic models to underestimate Pb solubility while overestimating free Pb2+ activity in these systems, at least in the higher pH range, indicates that soluble Pb ion-pair formation constants and KSP values need correction in the models.

Pilot-scale comparison of sodium silicates, orthophosphate and pH adjustment to reduce lead release from lead service lines

Sodium silicate is thought to mitigate lead release via two mechanisms: by increasing pH and by forming a protective silica film. A pilot-scale study using an excavated lead service line (LSL) fed with water from a Great Lakes source was undertaken to: (1) clearly distinguish the pH effect and the silica effect; (2) compare sodium silicate to orthophosphate and pH adjustment; (3) determine the nature of silica accumulation in the pipe scale. The LSL was cut into segments and acclimated with water at pH 7.1. Median dissolved lead was 197 µg/L in the last 8 weeks of acclimation and dropped to 16 µg/L, 54 µg/L, and 85 µg/L following treatment with orthophosphate (dose: 2.6 mg-PO₄/L, pH: 7.9), pH adjustment (pH: 7.9) and sodium silicate (dose: 20 mg-SiO₂/L, pH: 7.9), respectively. When silica dose was increased from 20 mg-SiO₂/L to 25 mg-SiO₂/L (pH: 8.1), lead release destabilized and increased (median dissolved lead: 141 µg/L) due to formation of colloidal dispersions composed mainly of lead- and aluminum-rich phases as detected by field flow fractionation used with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Si was present in the scale at a maximum of 2.2 atomic % after 17 weeks of silica dosing at 20 mg- SiO₂/L. Under the conditions tested, sodium silicate did not offer any benefits for reducing lead release from this LSL other than increasing pH. However, sodium silicate resulted in lower levels of biofilm accumulation on pipe walls, as measured by heterotrophic plate counts, when compared to orthophosphate.

Controlling lead release due to uniform and galvanic corrosion - An evaluation of silicate-based inhibitors

Silicates have been added to drinking water for decades, both to sequester iron/manganese and as a corrosion control treatment for lead. But the mechanisms by which they might act to limit lead release are not well understood. We evaluated the effects of two silicate formulations on lead release due to uniform and galvanic corrosion over a wide range of pH and dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. We compared these results to better-characterized systems, with added ortho- or polyphosphate and in an inhibitor-free control. Independent of pH, silicates did not consistently mitigate lead release due to either uniform or galvanic corrosion. Furthermore, lead carbonates appeared to determine lead solubility in the presence of sodium silicate. While silicate treatment did promote the formation of a nanometer-thick silicon layer on lead and a decrease in crystallite size at the scale surface, these changes did not inhibit lead release. But unlike polyphosphate-which is known to form soluble complexes with lead and disperse particulate metals-high ratio silicate did not exacerbate lead release. Metasilicate did exacerbate lead release, especially at pH 7 and 5 mg DIC/L; this suggests that silicate formulation may have an important effect on the dispersion of lead-rich particles.

Lead removal from water using organic acrylic amine fiber (AAF) and inorganic-organic P-AAF, fixed bed filtration and surface-induced precipitation

Granular porous sorbents were normally used for heavy metals removal from water. To search for the new commercial sorbent and treatment strategy, an organic acrylic amine fiber (AAF) and phosphorus loading inorganic-organic AAF (P-AAF) were prepared and used for lead (Pb) removal from water. A new strategy of inorganic-organic coupling technology was proposed for Pb removal, based on the hypothesis of surface-induced precipitation mechanism. The AAF showed a Pb adsorption capacity of 417 mg/g from the Langmuir fitting, while the column filtration technology was further applied to measure the adsorption edge and applications. Effects of different initial Pb concentrations, hydraulic retention time, and co-existing P were considered in the filtration experiments. The presence of 0.8 mg/L P in water significantly improved the Pb breakthrough point from 15,000 to 41,000 bed volumes of water spiked with 85 µg/L Pb, while the P-AAF fixed bed showed better removal of Pb than AAF SEM/EDX and XRD spectra were employed for determining the surface functional groups and the formation of surface-induced precipitation of pyromorphite (Pb₅(PO₄)₃OH) on AAF. This study verified the application of AAF sorbent for Pb removal and the enhanced effect of coating P on AAF, thus improved our fundamental understanding and application of the surface chemistry process of Pb with P.

Impact of sodium silicate on lead release and colloid size distributions in drinking water

Sodium silicates have been used in drinking water treatment for decades as sequestrants and corrosion inhibitors. For the latter purpose they are poorly understood, which presents a potential public health risk. We investigated a common sodium silicate formulation as a treatment for lead release and compared it to orthophosphate, a well-established lead corrosion control treatment. We also compared the size distributions of colloids generated in silicate and orthophosphate-treated systems using field flow fractionation with multielement detection. At a moderate dose of 24 mg SiO₂/L, sodium silicate yielded a median lead release of 398 µg/L, while orthophosphate yielded 67 µg Pb/L. At an elevated dose of 48 mg SiO₂/L, sodium silicate dispersed corrosion scale in cast iron pipe sections and lead service lines, resulting in a substantial release of colloidal iron and lead. In the silicate-treated system, a silicon-rich coating occurred at the lead-water interface, but lead carbonate remained the major corrosion product and appeared to control lead levels. These data suggest that, as a corrosion control treatment for lead, sodium silicate is inferior to orthophosphate in circumneutral pH water with low alkalinity. And, as with polyphosphate, excess silicate can be highly detrimental to controlling lead release.

Aqueous solubility of Pb at equilibrium with hydroxypyromorphite over a range of phosphate concentrations

Hydroxypyromorphite (HPM) is a low-solubility Pb phosphate mineral that has the potential to limit solubility and bioavailability of Pb in soils and water. Because of reported uncertainty regarding the solubility product of this important mineral, we re-evaluated the solubility of Pb and activity of the free Pb2+ ion in aqueous suspensions of microcrystalline HPM equilibrated up to 30 days over a wide range of added soluble phosphate. A small addition of phosphate (0.1 mM) reduced Pb solubility as measured by ICP-OES, but greater phosphate additions (up to 50 mM) had no further effect in lowering HPM solubility. However, free Pb2+ ion activity measured by ion-selective electrode progressively decreased from about 10-6.5 with no added phosphate to 10-9 as soluble phosphate was increased. The effect of soluble phosphate in lowering Pb2+ activity is attributed to inhibited dissolution of HPM as well as increased Pb2+-phosphate ion pair formation in solution at higher solution concentrations of phosphate. Measurement of the ion activity products (IAP) of the solutions at equilibrium with HPM gave highly variable IAP values that were sensitive to pH and were generally not consistent with the reported solubility product of this mineral. The high variability of the IAPs for solutions with variable pH and phosphate concentrations indicates that dissolution-precipitation reactions of HPM are not described by a constant solubility product at equilibrium, possibly because of the incongruent dissolution behavior of this mineral at near-neutral pH.

Combined application of Bacillus sp. MN-54 and phosphorus improved growth and reduced lead uptake by maize in the lead-contaminated soil

Lead (Pb) is considered an important environmental contaminant due to its considerable toxicity to living organisms. It can enter and accumulate in plant tissues and become part of the food chain. In the present study, individual and combined effects of Bacillus sp. MN-54 and phosphorus (P) on maize growth and physiology were evaluated in Pb-contaminated soil. A pristine soil was artificially contaminated with two levels of Pb (i.e., 250 and 500 mg kg^-1 dry soil) and was transferred to plastic pots. Bacillus sp. MN-54 treated and untreated maize (DK-6714) seeds were planted in pots. Recommended doses of nutrients (N and K) were applied in each pot while P was applied in selective pots. Results showed that Pb stress hampered the maize growth and physiological attributes in a concentration-dependent manner, and significant reductions in seedling emergence, shoot and root lengths, fresh and dry biomasses, leaf area, chlorophyll content, rate of photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance were recorded compared with control. Application of Bacillus sp. MN-54 or P particularly in combination significantly reduced the toxic effects of Pb on maize. At higher Pb level (500 mg kg^-1), the combined application effectively reduced Pb uptake up to 42.4% and 50% by shoots, 30.8% and 33.9% by roots, and 18.4% and 26.2% in available Pb content in soil after 45 days and 90 days, respectively compared with that of control. Moreover, the use of Bacillus sp. MN-54 significantly improved the P uptake by maize plants by 44.4% as compared with that of control. Our findings suggest that the combined use of Bacillus sp. MN-54 and P could be effective and helpful in improving plant growth and Pb immobilization in Pb-contaminated soil.

Mechanistic Study of Pb(II) Removal by TiO2 and Effect of PO4

As a commercial adsorbent, TiO₂ shows a high adsorption capacity for lead (Pb(II)). However, the molecular structure of Pb(II) adsorption on TiO₂ is still unknown. Meanwhile, as a widely used corrosion inhibitor, phosphate (PO₄) is usually added into drinking water, and its influential mechanism on Pb(II) removal by TiO₂ remains unknown. Here, the mechanisms of Pb(II) adsorption on TiO₂ and the effect of PO₄ were systematically investigated using a combination of spectroscopic analyses and surface complexation modeling. The adsorption structure of Pb(II) on TiO₂ was revealed as a tridentate mononuclear configuration by the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. In the presence of 0.1-5 mg/L PO₄, Pb(II) was removed mainly by adsorption on TiO₂ rather than precipitation. Ternary complexation between Pb(II) and PO₄ on TiO₂ surfaces was found based on EXAFS and in situ Fourier transform infrared characterizations. These complexation structures were used to build a surface complexation model to accurately simulate and predict Pb(II) removal under different conditions. This study provides essential information about the mechanisms of Pb(II) removal by TiO₂ and develops a model to predict adsorption behaviors, especially in the presence of PO₄.

Lead Particle Size Fractionation and Identification in Newark, New Jersey's Drinking Water

Following a pH reduction in their drinking water over a span of more than 20 years, the City of Newark, New Jersey, has struggled with elevated lead (Pb) release from Pb service lines and domestic plumbing in the zone fed by the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant. In response, Newark initiated orthophosphate addition and provided faucet-mounted point-of-use (POU) filters and pitcher filters certified for Pb and particulate reduction under NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and 42 to residential homes in that zone. Water chemistry analysis and size fractionation sampling were performed at four of these houses. Analysis of the particulate material retained by the fractionation filters revealed that Pb was dominantly present in the water as fine Pb(II) orthophosphate particles. A considerable amount of the particulates occurred as a nanoscale fraction that sometimes passed through the POU faucet or pitcher filtration units. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analyses showed that the nanoparticles (<100 nm) and their aggregates were composed of Pb, phosphorus, and chlorine, which are consistent with pyromorphite, Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl. Electron diffraction and X-ray analyses supported the presence of hydroxypyromorphite and chloropyromorphite nanoparticles and the size range estimates from the imaging. This research confirmed that nonadherent Pb(II)-orthophosphate nanoparticles were an important form of Pb in drinking water in the Pequannock water quality zone of Newark.

Surface mole-ratio method to distinguish surface precipitation and adsorption on solid-liquid interface

The enhancement effects of phosphate (P) on Pb removal by adsorbents have been attributed to co-adsorption of P and Pb, the formation of P-Pb surface ternary surface complexes, and surface precipitation of P and Pb. However, distinguishing adsorption from surface precipitation in multi-adsorbate systems has been a challenge. For the first time, a surface mole-ratio (SMR) method was established and applied for delineating Pb-P precipitation and Pb adsorption on an acrylic amine fiber (AAF) adsorbent. In elaborating the SMR method, we developed Pb removal experiments by mixing solutions containing 0.2 g/L of AAF, 6 and 12 μmol/L P, and 0-35 μmol/L Pb. When the removed Pb/P (μmol/μmol) was plotted as a function of the equilibrium Pb (μmol/L), the SMR diagram exhibited a turning-point similar to the Pb/P mole ratio of 5/3 = 1.67 in pyromorphite (Pb₅(PO₄)₃OH) precipitate. The SMR diagram indicated that when the Pb concentration increased, the precipitate formed first; after all P formed precipitates, Pb was removed by adsorption. The precipitation and adsorption processes were further confirmed by other SMR diagrams, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and XRD analysis. The SMR method will have broad applications in determining the removal mechanisms of multi-adsorbates by adsorbents and coagulants, and stabilization mechanisms of heavy metals in soils. With the development and application of more modern in-situ characterization techniques, SMR method will be more effective.

Lead immobilization by phosphate in the presence of iron oxides: Adsorption versus precipitation

As a commonly used corrosion inhibitor, phosphate (PO₄) has a complicated effect on the fate and transport of lead (Pb) in drinking water systems. While the formation of pyromorphite has been recognized to be the major driving force of the Pb immobilization mechanism, the role of adsorption on iron oxides is still not clear. This study aims to clarify the contributions of adsorption and precipitation to Pb removal in a system containing both iron oxides and PO₄. A combination of batch experiments, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and electron spectroscopy was employed to distinguish the adsorbed and precipitated Pb species. The results indicated that the adsorption of Pb on iron oxides still occurred even when the solution was supersaturated to pyromorphite (i.e., 5 mg/L P with 0.1-30 mg/L Pb in 0.01 M NaCl solution at neutral pH). In the tap water containing 0.92 mg/L P and 1 mg/L Pb, adsorption on iron oxides contributed more (62-67%) than precipitation (33-38%) in terms of Pb removal. Surprisingly, the pre-formed pyromorphite is transformed to adsorbed species after mixing with iron oxides in water for 24 h. The illustration of this transformation is important to understand the immobilization mechanisms and transport behaviors of Pb in drinking water systems after the utilization of PO₄.

Effect of Aluminum on Lead Release to Drinking Water from Scales of Corrosion Products

The occurrence of aluminum in scales on lead pipes is common. This study aimed to identify factors that influence Al accumulation on oxidized lead surfaces and to determine whether the presence of Al impacts Pb release from corrosion products to water. Al accumulation and Pb release were monitored both with and without the addition of phosphate as a corrosion inhibitor. Pb coupons with corrosion scales were exposed to chlorinated water for up to 198 days to investigate Al accumulation and Pb release. Al accumulation was facilitated by Pb corrosion products, but its accumulation was inhibited by phosphate addition. During the study period, the formation of Al deposits did not affect Pb release when phosphate was absent. In an Al-free system, the addition of 1.0 mg/L phosphate (as P) lowered the dissolved Pb concentration below 1.0 μg/L. In a system containing 200 μg/L Al, the emergence of phosphate's effect on Pb control was delayed, and the dissolved Pb concentration decreased but stabilized at a higher value (10-12 μg/L) than in the Al-free system. Phosphohedyphane (Ca₂Pb₃(PO₄)₃Cl) was formed in all phosphate-containing systems, and PbO₂ was formed independent of phosphate addition. The effect of Al on Pb release was probably related to its influence on the composition and morphology of Pb-containing minerals on coupon surfaces. The laboratory study has unavoidable limitations in its ability to simulate all conditions in real lead service lines, but this study still highlights the importance of considering the influence of Al when designing Pb corrosion control strategies.

Formation and Transport of Cr(III)-NOM-Fe Colloids upon Reaction of Cr(VI) with NOM-Fe(II) Colloids at Anoxic-Oxic Interfaces

Natural organic matter-iron (NOM-Fe) colloids are ubiquitous at anoxic-oxic interfaces of subsurface environments. Fe(II) or NOM can chemically reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and the formation of Cr(III)-NOM-Fe colloids can control the fate and transport of Cr. We explored the formation and transport of Cr(III)-humic acid (HA)-Fe colloids upon reaction of Cr(VI) with HA-Fe(II) colloids over a range of environmentally relevant conditions. Cr(VI) was completely reduced by HA-Fe(II) complexes under anoxic conditions, and the formation of Cr(III)-HA-Fe colloids depended on HA concentration (or molar C/Fe ratio) and redox conditions. No colloids formed at HA concentrations below 3.5 mg C/L (C/Fe ratio below 1.6), but Cr(III)-HA-Fe colloids formed at higher HA concentrations. In column experiments, Cr(III)-HA-Fe(III) colloids formed under oxic conditions were readily transported through sand-packed porous media. Colloidal stability measurements further suggest that Cr(III)-HA-Fe colloids are highly stable and persist for at least 20 days without substantial change in particle size. This stability is attributed to the enrichment of free HA adsorbed on the Cr(III)-HA-Fe colloid surfaces, intensifying the electrostatic and/or steric repulsion interactions between particles. The new insights provided here are important for evaluating the long-term fate and transport of Cr in organic-rich redox transition zones.

Spatiotemporal trends of recovery from lead contamination in Flint, MI as revealed by crowdsourced water sampling

In the aftermath of the lead contamination crisis that plagued the water system in Flint, MI, more than 35,000 water samples were collected from the city's premises. The majority of these samples (>85%) were collected through a voluntary crowdsourced sampling campaign. The samples were analyzed for lead and copper concentrations by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). In this study, the crowdsourced sampling data was analyzed by means of spatial autocorrelation analysis to reveal the locations of statistically significant hotspot regions of high water lead levels (WLLs), and to track the spatiotemporal evolution of WLLs as the system recovered from lead contamination. The results showed that hotspot regions that experienced high WLLs were consistent with the areas where lead service line (LSL) density was the highest. Additionally, galvanized service lines and other lead-containing plumbing components could have also contributed to lead release in hotspot regions. The temporal trend exhibited by the crowdsourced sampling data did not reflect a consistent decrease in WLLs despite the interventions implemented by MDEQ and EPA. Instead, sampled WLLs remained high for several months after boosting the orthophosphate dose and launching a city-wide residential flushing campaign. The findings of this study suggest that this could be partially attributed to disproportionate sampling from premises in hotspot regions of high WLLs and LSL density.

Source Water Characteristics and Building-specific Factors Influence Corrosion and Point of Use Water Quality in a Decentralized Arctic Drinking Water System

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a perpetual concern in Arctic communities because of challenging climatic conditions, limited options for the transportation of equipment and process chemicals, and the ongoing effects of colonialism. Water samples were gathered from multiple locations in a decentralized trucked drinking water system in Nunavut, Canada, over the course of one year. The results indicate that point of use drinking water quality was impacted by conditions in the source water and in individual buildings and strongly suggest that lead and copper measured at the tap were related to corrosion of onsite premise plumbing components. Humic-like substances were the dominant organic fraction in all samples, as determined by regional integration of fluorescence data. Iron and manganese levels in the source water and throughout the water system were higher in the winter and lower in the summer months. Elevated concentrations of copper (>2000 μg L^-1) and lead (>5 μg L^-1) were detected in tap water from some buildings. Field flow fractionation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ultraviolet-visible spectrometry was used to demonstrate the link between source water characteristics (high organics, iron and manganese) and lead and copper in point of use drinking water.

Manganese Increases Lead Release to Drinking Water

Lead and manganese are regulated in drinking water due to their neurotoxicity. These elements have been reported to co-occur in drinking water systems, in accordance with the metal-scavenging properties of MnO₂. To the extent that manganese is a driver of lead release, controlling it during water treatment may reduce lead levels. We investigated transport of lead and manganese at the tap in a full-scale distribution system: consistent with a cotransport phenomenon, the two metals were detected in the same colloidal size fraction by size-exclusion chromatography with multielement detection. We also studied the effect of manganese on lead release using a model distribution system: increasing manganese from 4 to 215 μg L^-1 nearly doubled lead release. This effect was attributed primarily to deposition corrosion of lead by oxidized phases of manganese, and we used 16S rRNA sequencing to identify bacteria that may be relevant to this process. We explored the deposition corrosion mechanism by coupling pure lead with either MnO₂-coated lead or pure lead exposed to MnO₂ in suspension; we observed galvanic currents in both cases. We attributed these to reduction of Mn(IV) under anaerobic conditions, and we attributed the additional current under aerobic conditions to oxygen reduction catalyzed by MnO₂.

Aggregation of ferrihydrite nanoparticles: Effects of pH, electrolytes,and organics

To better understand the fate and transport of ferrihydrite nanoparticles (FNPs), which carry many contaminants in natural and engineered aquatic environments, the aggregation of FNPs was systematically investigated in this study. The pH isoelectric point (pH_IEP), surface zeta potential, and particle size evolutions of FNPs were measured under varied aqueous conditions using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The influence of pH (5.0 ± 0.1 and 7.0 ± 0.1), ionic strength (IS), electrolytes (NaCl, CaCl₂ and Na₂SO₄), and organics (humic acid, fulvic acid and CH₃COONa) on the aggregation behaviors of FNPs were explored. Meanwhile, Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory was employed to better understand the controlling mechanisms of FNP aggregation. In the presence of sulfate, the surface charge of FNPs was neutralized under varied pH and ionic strength due to ion adsorption and FNPs phase transformation to schwertmannite based on FT-IR results. This phase transformation resulted in rapid aggregation in all water chemistries tested, whereas other salt species affected the aggregation primarily by ion adsorption and charge screening. Presence of increasing concentrations of the organic acids significantly shifted the pH_IEP of FNPs (7.0 ± 0.2) to lower pH (< 4.0) due to adsorption of organics on FNPs surfaces making them negatively charged. The adsorption of HA/FA inhibited FNP aggregation significantly while CH₃COONa did not, due to different effects on steric and/or electrosteric interactions among FNPs by organics with varied pK_a values and molecular weights. After accounting for the important effects of pH, electrolytes, and organics in modifying FNPs' surface charge, DLVO calculations agreed well with measured critical coagulation concentrations (CCC) values of FNPs at both pH 5.0 ± 0.1 and 7.0 ± 0.1 in the presence of NaCl. This study will hence be useful to better predict and control the fate and transport of FNPs in the presence of electrolytes and organics with different molecular weights, as well as the fate of the associated contaminants in natural and engineered systems.