Lead isotopes in tap water: implications for Pb sources within a municipal water supply system

摘要: Abstract Residential tap waters were investigated to examine the feasibility of using isotopic ratios identify dominant sources water Pb in Columbus (Ohio, USA) municipal supply system. Overall, both concentrations, which are generally low (0.1–28 μg/L), and compositions show wide variations. This contrasts with situation for a limited number available service lines, exhibit only Pb-isotope variation but contain two very different types one significantly more radiogenic than other. Most samples contact lines have that from pipe Pb. Furthermore, isotope sequentially drawn same residence similar, those separate residences different, implying domestic plumbing. A pilot study at without shows similarity between solders each house, further suggesting major these cases dominated by solder joints. Although complicated broad range overall variations observed sample availability, results suggest isotopes can be used effectively constrain waters, especially individual houses where multiple source candidates identified.