| NSF Org: |
CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | September 10, 2015 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | September 10, 2015 |
| Award Number: | 1556258 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
William Cooper
CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems ENG Directorate for Engineering |
| Start Date: | September 15, 2015 |
| End Date: | August 31, 2016 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $49,999.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $49,999.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
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| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
300 TURNER ST NW BLACKSBURG VA US 24060-3359 (540)231-5281 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
VA US 24061-0001 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | EnvE-Environmental Engineering |
| Primary Program Source: |
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.041 |
ABSTRACT
1556258
Edwards
Flint, MI, is currently suffering from a "perfect storm" attributable to out-of-control corrosion of its aging potable water distribution system. The hypothesis is that these circumstances will also create severe chemical/biological health risks for Flint residents, including elevated levels of lead and opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens in drinking water. Preliminary data collected has revealed extraordinarily high levels of lead, with average concentrations over 20 minutes of water use exceeding 2,000 ppb (> 200 times the World Health Organization allowable levels for lead in potable water).
The main objectives of this research are to: 1) compare levels of chlorine, iron, fecal indicator bacteria, opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens, and corrosion-inducing bacteria present in water mains of a distribution system with uncontrolled corrosion (Flint) versus surrounding cities/counties still using non-corrosive water, 2) profile opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens occurrence in hot and cold potable water systems at these same locations, and 3) determine if there is evidence of elevated lead in Flint homes, and, if so, forensically determine the links to iron corrosion in the distribution system. The elements of the "perfect storm" currently include: under-appreciation of the role of corrosion control in sustaining urban potable water systems and increased corrosion due to higher chloride in Flint's new source water. The high rates of corrosion occurring in Flint are releasing high levels of iron to water and consuming chlorine disinfectant, which our most recent laboratory testing has indicated will increase lead release to water and growth of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens in cold and hot water plumbing systems. The unfortunate but unique opportunity offered by Flint's current situation, provides an ideal opportunity to field test our recent discoveries regarding potentially adverse consequences of iron corrosion on chemical/microbiological water quality at field rather than laboratory scale. The general results and approach used herein can inform residents and managers of other U.S. cities, who will soon be dealing with similar problems associated with failing potable water infrastructure exacerbated by increased chloride in water due to excessive use of road salt and rising sea levels.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Flint, MI, suffered from a "perfect storm" due to out-of-control corrosion, creating severe chemical/biological health risks for Flint residents including elevated levels of lead and opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens in drinking water. A comparision of levels of chlorine, iron, fecal indicator bacteria, opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens, and corrosion-inducing bacteria present in water mains of a distribution system with uncontrolled corrosion (Flint) versus surrounding cities/counties still using non-corrosive water revealed widespread problems due to lack of corrosion control. Studies of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogen occurrence in hot and cold potable water systems, revealed low levels of Legionella in Flint homes but higher levels in large buildings-- it was later discoverd that Flint experienced one of the worst Legionella outbreaks in U.S. history resulting in 12 deaths. This was attributed to the high rates of corrosion, which increased the levels of iron nutrients in water entering buildings, while decreased the levels of free chlorine disinfectant that normally control Legionella. Citizen science water sampling in collaboration with Flint homeowners, revealed a widespread lead in water problem that increased the incidence of elevated blood lead in Flint children. A federal emergency was declared. To date $600 million in relief has been given to mitigate the disaster.
Last Modified: 09/11/2016
Modified by: Marc A Edwards
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