Alkalinity, pH, and copper corrosion by-product release
- Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
- Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
Contrary to expectations, higher bicarbonate concentrations exacerbate copper corrosion rates and by-product release. In fact, as illustrated by monitoring experiences of large utilities and by laboratory data, the concentration of copper corrosion by-products in drinking water increases linearly with bicarbonate concentration at constant pH. This relationship implicates cupric hydroxide solubility in control of copper release from relatively new (less than a few years old) copper plumbing. Decision-marking guidance from a traditional Larson`s ratio or Langelier index approach can aggravate copper corrosion problems; consequently, their use should be discontinued for copper corrosion mitigation. In contrast, aeration-CO{sub 2} stripping is a particularly attractive strategy because benefits from higher pH are realized without adverse effects from higher alkalinity.
- OSTI ID:
- 205283
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Water Works Association, Journal Name: Journal of the American Water Works Association Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 88; ISSN 0003-150X; ISSN JAWWA5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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