CHED 1155 |
| First-flush water samples obtained from taps on the Hope College campus still show Pb levels above the EPA limit for potable water supplies, but there is no detectible Pb in the municipal water supply. We compared measured metal ion concentrations to those obtained from a set of model copper pipe systems constructed in our laboratory. Different solders give unique signatures in the amount and type of metals that leach out of the model pipe systems. Analysis of co-variate metal concentrations was conducted and some campus taps that regularly exceed the EPA limit were found to have a distinct Cu and Zn signature that was not found in the model solder systems. Brass fittings, which are not currently regulated to be “lead-free”, were found to be significant contributor to Pb in potable water. We suggest test methods that could be developed to pinpoint the source of Pb contamination in drinking water. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |