Page 107 - Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry III

CORROSION AND PLUMBO – SOLVENCY
Water acidity (low pH) and free oxygen are the main factors

causing corrosion and plumbo-solvency.

* Corrosion = solvent action of water on metals.
Corrosive waters : may cause pitting and even perforation of

water pipes made of iron or copper, thereby introducing the
metals into the water which impair water taste and purity.
Plumbo-Solvency = solvent action of water on lead

Plumbo-solvency is not demonstrated by visual changes in
water characters but it may cause an onset of lead poisoning
among consumers of such water (lead has a cumulative
toxic effect).