Potential water quality deterioration of drinking water caused by leakage of organic compounds from materials in contact with the water

摘要

Organic materials have been used in drinking water pipes and storage tanks for several years. During thernlast decade plastic materials are used for bottles and containers for water. Leaching of organic matter fromrnthe materials to the drinking water is proven. Water in contact with plastic pipes, surface coatings or otherrnmaterials can be affected by migration of components that make the water quality unacceptable with respectrnto aesthetic effects or health.rnLeaching of - volatile organic compounds may cause unwanted taste and odour in - water, and possiblernhealth risk. Organic compounds such as xylene, styrene, phenols and ethyl benzene have been identified.rnCompounds leaching from epoxy and polyethylene appear to give unwanted taste and smell to the water.rnMicrobiological growth in the drinking water distribution system may cause deterioration of the water quality,rndue to increased turbidity, heterotrophic bacteria, and even pathogens. Leakage of biodegradable organicrnmatter from materials used in the distribution system may promote microbiological growth. There arernvariations in microbiological growth between various materials. In particular, the change from copper tornsynthetic materials for in-house installations may be a reason for increased microbiological growth.