Using aeration for corrosion control

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Abstract
Under the right initial water quality conditions, aeration proves a suitable alternative for reducing lead and copper corrosion.Aeration is a useful drinking water treatment process. Aeration has been used to remove hydrogen sulfide, methane, radon, iron, manganese, and volatile organic contaminants from drinking water. Aeration also removes carbon dioxide, which directly affects pH and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), the parameters that most influence lead and copper solubility. As a result, aeration can be an effective corrosion control strategy, presuming the initial pH and DIC are appropriate. Mineral precipitation brought about by water quality changes resulting from aeration may present operational constraints under some conditions. Aeration produces very consistent water quality and may be advantageous (especially to smaller utilities) because of relatively low costs and simple operational and maintenance needs.