Effect of varying blends of finished RO, surface and ground waters on solid lead surfaces

PbO, PbCO3, and Pb3(OH)2(CO3)2 were identified as primary corrosion products on lead coupons following three months of exposure to finished RO, surface and ground water by XRD and XPS. Based on these results, a Pb3(OH)2(CO3)2 solid phase equilibrium model was used as a function of water quality, was modified using diffusion theory and accurately predicted lead release for a majority of field observations. SEM photographs revealed sulfate and chloride affected the surface structure of corrosion scales and lead release.