We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Behaviour of Polymeric Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution System. Comparison with Other Pipe Materials
Summary
This paper is not directly about microplastics; it reviews how different pipe materials used in drinking water distribution systems leach chemicals, corrode, and support microbial growth, focusing on metal and polymer pipes and their impact on water quality.
The inner walls of drinking water distribution system (DWDS) are expected to be clean to ensure a safe quality of drinking water. In reality, complex physical, chemical and biological processes take place when water comes into contact with the pipe surface. This paper describes the impact of leaching different compounds from the water supply pipes into the drinking water and subsequent risks. Among these compounds there are heavy metals. It is necessary to prevent these metals to get into the DWDS. Those compounds are susceptible to impact the quality of the water delivered to population either by leaching dangerous chemicals into the water or by enhancing the development of microorganism growth on the pipe surface. The corrosion process of different pipes materials, scale formation mechanisms and the impact of bacteria formed in corrosion layers are discussed. Water treatment processes and the pipe materials also affect the water composition. Pipes materials act differently in the flowing and stagnation conditions. Also, they age differently (e.g metal based pipes are subjected to corrosion while polymer based pipes have a decreased mechanical resistance) and are susceptible to enhance bacterial film formation. This review helps to clarify what are the possible sources of compounds responsible for drinking water quality degradation. Also, it gives guidance on the measures that are needed to maintain a stable and safe drinking water quality.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Behavior of Polymeric Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution System—Comparison with Other Pipe Materials
This review examines how polymeric water pipes release chemical compounds into drinking water, including heavy metals from pipe materials and microbial biofilms, and compares risks across different pipe materials. Leaching from pipe materials poses ongoing risks to drinking water quality in distribution systems.
Chemical and microbiological safety of drinking water in distribution networks made of plastic pipes
Researchers examined the safety of drinking water distributed through plastic pipes made of PVC and HDPE, which are increasingly replacing metal pipes. They found that these plastic pipes can leach chemical compounds into the water and may promote different microbial growth patterns compared to metal pipes. The study highlights the need for better monitoring of both chemical and microbiological quality in drinking water systems that use plastic infrastructure.
Emerging contaminants migration from pipes used in drinking water distribution systems: a review of the scientific literature
Researchers reviewed the migration of emerging contaminants from water distribution pipes into drinking water, focusing on microplastics, bisphenol A, phthalates, and other chemicals. The study found that pipe materials can release these contaminants into tap water, posing potential human health concerns and highlighting the need for better monitoring of distribution system contributions to drinking water contamination.
Factors affecting the leaching of micro and nanoplastics in the water distribution system
Researchers studied how plastic water pipes in distribution systems leach micro- and nanoplastics into drinking water under varying conditions of pH, chlorine levels, and pipe material. They found that higher pH and the presence of free chlorine both contributed to increased particle release from the pipes. The findings raise concerns that everyday drinking water infrastructure may be an overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
Microplastics and chemical leachates from plastic pipes are associated with increased virulence and antimicrobial resistance potential of drinking water microbial communities
Researchers found that microplastics and chemical leachates released from polypropylene drinking water pipes can promote antimicrobial resistance and virulence in the microbial communities that form inside the pipes. Exposure to chlorination, heating, and freeze-thaw cycles accelerated microplastic generation and chemical leaching from the pipes. The findings suggest that plastic plumbing materials may be an underappreciated factor in drinking water safety.