Cement-mortar lining failure and metal release caused by electrochemical corrosion of ductile iron pipes in drinking water distribution systems

The electrochemical corrosion of ductile pipes (DPs) in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) has a crucial impact on cement-mortar lining (CML) failure and metal release, potentially leading to drinking water quality deterioration and posing a risk to public health. An in-situ scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) with micron-scale resolution, microscopic scale detection and water quality analysis were used to investigate the corrosion behavior and metal release from DPs throughout the whole CML failure process. Metal pollutants release occurred at three different stages of CML failure process, and there are potential risks of water quality deterioration exceeding the maximum allowable levels set by national standards in the partial failure stage and lining peeling stage. Furthermore, the effects of water chemistry (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and Ca²⁺) on corrosion scale growth and iron release activity, were investigated during the CML partial failure stage. Results showed that the CML failure process in DPs was accelerated by the autocatalysis of localized corrosion. Cl⁻ was found to damage the uncorroded metal surface, while SO₄²⁻ mainly dissolved the corrosion scale surface, increasing iron release. Both the oxidation of NO₃⁻ and selective sedimentation of Ca²⁺ were found to enhance the stability of corrosion scales and inhibit iron release.