Manganese release from corrosion products of cast iron pipes in drinking water distribution systems: Effect of water temperature, pH, alkalinity, SO42− concentration and disinfectants

Abstract

Manganese accumulated in corrosion scales on drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) can be released into bulk water, causing discolouration and thereby leading to customer concerns about drinking water quality. A static release experiment was conducted on iron pipe scales under three different temperatures, pH values, alkalinity values, sulfate (SO42−) concentrations, and disinfectants to study the separate effect of these factors on Mn release from pipe scales under stagnant conditions. Results showed that more Mn was released from corrosion scales under the conditions of lower pH, lower alkalinity, higher temperature, and higher SO42− concentrations. Three commonly used disinfectants, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), and monochloramine (NH2Cl) were found to inhibit the release of Mn from iron corrosion scales, with the ranked order of inhibitory effect of ClO2≈NaClO > NH2Cl under the same CT (product of disinfectant concentration and contact time) value. The orthogonal experimental results indicated that SO42− and alkalinity had extremely significant effects on the release of Mn from pipe scales, while pH and disinfectant type had a significant impact on the release of Mn from pipe scales. Thus, the SO42− concentration and alkalinity of the bulk water should be determined to avoid excessive release of Mn into drinking water. However, further investigation of the effect of disinfectants on Mn release in DWDSs is necessary. This research helps establish a systematic understanding of the influential factors in Mn release from pipe scales into bulk water, as well as their significant relationships.