Evaluation of the probability of water pollution due to lead leaching of thermoplastic pipes in drinking water distribution networks

The use of various additives containing lead compounds in the production of thermoplastic tubes and the growing use of these materials in plumbing and water distribution systems, it has increased concern release metals like lead in drinking water. Lead is a neurotoxic metal. The aim of this study was evaluation of the probability of water pollution due to lead leaching of thermoplastic pipes in drinking water distribution networks. In this study two un-plasticized polyvinyl chloride pipes (entitled UPVC 1, 2) and a polyethylene(PE) pipe were Investigated using locally manufactured pipes and with a length of 50 cm. the effects of pH, alkalinity, chloride /sulfate mass ratio, total dissolved solids and water temperature were studied on thermoplastic tubes. This study showed that the effect of the parameters on UPVC1 tubes were measured less than the standards. The release of lead in The PE pipe from the effect of pH and dissolved solids were measured over the standard (EPA). The release of lead in The UPVC2 pipes from of different concentrations of pH, chloride/sulfate mass ratio, temperature were measured over the standard (EPA) and guidelines (WHO) and national standards. Statistical analysis of the results showed that lead release of tubes are significant and have reliability in probability of 95% (p ≤ 0.05). By attention to effect of chemical parameters on the release of lead and importance role of the thermoplastic pipes in distribution of water system, to protect the health of society, authorities’ surveillance is necessary on the thermoplastic pipe plants.