Impact of orthophosphate on lead release from pipe scale in high pH, low alkalinity water

This study explored the ability of orthophosphate addition to limit lead release from lead service lines delivering high pH, low alkalinity water. We built pipe loop reactors with lead pipes harvested from Providence, RI, and we operated them with high pH and low alkalinity water of a composition similar to that in Providence. Orthophosphate addition decreased the release of both dissolved and particulate lead to the water. The most substantial decreases in total lead concentrations occurred after 15 weeks of orthophosphate addition, which was associated with the formation of calcium-lead-phosphorus (Ca–Pb–P) solids as part of the pipe scale. Pre-existing hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2(s)) in the scale of the lead pipe appeared to promote the formation of a Ca–Pb–P solid similar to phosphohedyphane (Ca2Pb3(PO4)3(Cl,F,OH)(s)). Continuous orthophosphate addition was also associated with the formation of a calcium phosphate solid with features like those of fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F(s)) on the outermost layer of the scale. Through promoting the formation of these new solids within and on top of the scales, orthophosphate addition limited release of dissolved and particulate lead. These results demonstrate the ability of orthophosphate to control lead release at higher pH conditions than those for which it has typically been used. In addition to the formation of phosphate solids, PbO2(s), which was not present on the as-received pipes, was formed due to the constant supply of free chlorine in the laboratory-scale experiment. [Display omitted] •Orthophosphate addition can decrease lead concentrations even at pH > 10.•Total lead concentrations decreased after 15 weeks of orthophosphate addition.•A Ca–Pb-phosphate solid formed as part of the lead-rich scale.•A coarser Ca-phosphate solid formed on top of the existing scale.•PbO2(s) was formed during experiments due to the constant free chlorine supply.