A case study of lead in drinking water: protocol, methods, and investigative techniques

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Lead exposure, particularly during pregnancy, can negatively impact adolescent development.
• Maternal blood lead levels exceeding 15 µg/dL are linked to developmental issues.
• Establishing safe lead levels in drinking water is crucial for occupational and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if lead (Pb) in drinking water at a manufacturing and research site exceeded acceptable levels.
• To identify sources of lead contamination in the water supply.
• To evaluate potential control techniques, including carbon dioxide treatment.

Main Methods:

• Water samples collected from various sources (water coolers, faucets) representing worst-case exposures.
• Utilized Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consumption estimates and lead-to-blood level correlations to set an acceptable water lead limit of 10 µg/L.
• Employed novel methods for lead source identification and conducted laboratory experiments on carbon dioxide treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

• The study determined an acceptable lead level of 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L) for drinking water.
• Novel methods successfully identified lead sources at locations exceeding the acceptable limit.
• Laboratory tests indicated that carbon dioxide gas treatment could prevent lead leaching from plumbing systems.

Conclusions:

• Drinking water lead levels at the site were generally within acceptable limits.
• Effective methods for identifying and controlling lead contamination in water systems were developed.
• Carbon dioxide treatment presents a viable strategy for mitigating lead leaching from plumbing.