Adsorption and (induced) desorption of Cd(II) from the corrosion scales of water distribution pipes, following a deliberate contamination event

Shimon Somer, Noga Fridman-Bishop, Paz Nativ, Avi Ostfeld, Ori Lahav

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Intrusion of toxic heavy-metal cations into water-distribution systems (WDS) may cause severe adverse health-effects on large populations, along with an undesirable psychological impact. The corrosion (scale) layer, that invariably develops on the pipes’ inner walls, is capable of adsorbing a significant mass of metal-cations and releasing them thereafter via diffusion to the water once operation is resumed, thereby causing a secondary contamination event. To overcome this, the contaminant should be completely removed, in a controlled fashion, from both the aqueous and scale phases, with minimum damage to the pipe’s physical stature. This study determined the range of the Cd(II) adsorption capacity of corrosion-scales and quantified alternative treatments for desorbing it, using an assortment of metal water-pipes, extracted from the WDS. Batch, water-recirculation and flow-through experiments were conducted to determine the extent of Cd(II) adsorption and the best way to desorb it. Corrosion-scales showed substantial Cd(II)-absorption capacity (up to 0.75 mg Cd(II)/g scale) with an approximately linear relation between the aqueous Cd(II) concentration and the adsorbed mass. Desorption experiments included dosages of various acids. Sequential rinsing (eight pipe-volumes) by pH3 solution was found to be the best approach, releasing close to ∼100% of the adsorbed Cd(II), with only a minor effect on the pipes’ integrity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1525-1537
Number of pages13
JournalWater Science and Technology: Water Supply
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Cd(II) adsorption
  • Cd(II) desorption
  • Corrosion scales
  • Water distribution systems
  • Water terrorism

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Water Science and Technology

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