Survey of lead concentration in tap water on a university campus
Journal
Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Pages
-
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
In this study, a sampling campaign was conducted for 29 buildings on the National Taiwan University (NTU) campus where lead pipes were present in 4 buildings. Total lead, soluble lead, and water quality parameters including pH, temperature, residual free chlorine, and total organic carbon were measured. Results from the first-round sequential sampling (10 × 100 mL) showed that the presence of lead pipe did not necessarily cause elevated lead levels. However, the highest lead concentration and the highest frequency of exceeding 10 μg/L were detected in a building with lead pipe. Faucet was identified to be a major lead source in at least 8 buildings. No significant correlations between lead levels and water parameters were found. The building showing the highest lead level in the first round was sampled for a second round using four different methods, namely, first draw sampling, random daytime sampling, sequential sampling (5 × 1 L), and flushing sampling. Lead levels in samples collected using the four sampling methods all exceeded 10 μg/L. The first draw sampling showed the highest lead level, followed by comparable levels for random daytime sampling and sequential sampling. Flush sampling yielded the lowest lead concentration. Particles collected from the faucet aerators in 14 buildings were also characterized for their compositions and lead contents. © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Subjects
Lead; Plumbing materials; Sampling method; Tap water
Other Subjects
concentration (composition); lead; sampling; survey method; university sector; water pollution; Taiwan; drinking water; lead; chemistry; environmental monitoring; questionnaire; Taiwan; university; water pollutant; water quality; water supply; Drinking Water; Environmental Monitoring; Lead; Surveys and Questionnaires; Taiwan; Universities; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Quality; Water Supply
Type
journal article