IMSE Seminar: "From the Source to the Tap: Predicting, Controlling, and Monitoring Drinking Water Quality"

About this event

Daniel Giammar, Walter E Browne Professor of Environmental Engineering

Director, WashU Center for the Environment

Washington University in St. Louis

The legacy of lead-containing materials used for water supply poses challenges to

tap water quality. In contrast to drinking water contaminants that have their origins

in the source water and can be removed at a treatment plant, the source of lead in

drinking water is the pipe that connects a home to the water main and the

plumbing within the home.

Concentrations of lead in tap water are governed by the chemical reactions

between the water in the pipe and the scale of solid phases that develops on the

inner surface of the pipe. Characterization of those scales through electron

microscopy and X-ray diffraction can yield insights into the processes controlling

lead concentrations. In addition to an examination of lead in drinking water, the

presentation will examine the potential for improved household-scale monitoring

of lead and other contaminants using point-of-use filters.This will include

discussion of opportunities for development of new materials for simultaneous

water treatment and water quality monitoring.