Lead poisoning through water, its detection and removal

A 2021 study brought forth a disturbing revelation: It estimated that nearly 20

crore children (close to 20 crore) in India have lead levels in their blood greater
than 5 micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL). Even though no national survey has
measured blood lead levels in adults and children, a follow-up study based on
secondary data by Niti Aayog and CSIR in 2022 confirmed these findings. According
to the World Health Organisation (WHO), any level above 5 µg/dL is “a trigger for a
thorough review of the ways in which a person is being exposed to lead and for
action to reduce or end this exposure.”
Children and unborn babies are the most vulnerable to lead poisoning. Their
developing bodies and brains absorb lead at a higher rate that can lead to
irreversible damage. The consequences of lead poisoning range from neurological
impairments and learning disabilities to stunted growth and organ damage. A lot of
the country’s housing stock and public buildings are coated with paints containing
dangerous levels of lead, old water pipes, unsound recycling of used lead-acid
batteries are few of the sources for lead contamination. Despite strict
regulations, weak implementation and lack of awareness is still a hindrance for
reduction of lead exposure.

Detection of lead contamination in Water

Detecting lead in water typically involves various analytical methods and testing
equipment. For precise and quantifiable results, laboratory testing methods like
ICP-MS, AAS, XRF, ASV etc are often employed.

-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) uses an inductively

coupled plasma to ionize the sample, which creates atomic and small polyatomic ions
– which are then detected. It is a highly accurate testing method. Water samples
are typically collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Similar to ICP-MS,
ICP-OES is a laboratory-based technique that measures the light emitted by excited
lead atoms in a water sample to quantify lead content. Atomic Absorption
Spectrometry (AAS) measures the absorption of light at a specific wavelength by
lead atoms in a water sample.

Portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzers and Anodic stripping voltametry(ASV)

analysers are handheld devices that can provide real-time, on-site lead testing.
XRF anlysers emit X-rays that excite the atoms in a water sample, and the resulting
fluorescent emissions are used to identify and quantify the presence of lead and
other elements. ASV involves the reduction of metals on mercury electrodes by a
current, followed by using a doped electrode as a conductor to determine the amount
of metals plated on the electrode and therefore, the concentration of metal in the
water.

But these detection techniques are not accesible to all, Colorimetric Test Kits for
Lead detection are useful as a quick check for screening areas for lead abatement.
A positive response is evidence of the presence of lead or a positive interference.
A negative response, however, is not conclusive evidence of the absence of lead.
These are relatively inexpensive, non-toxic and user-friendly test kits that can be
used on-site. They work by changing color in the presence of lead. Users dip a test
strip into the water sample and observe the color change, which corresponds to the
lead concentration. Colorimetric test kits are suitable for quick, qualitative
assessments which gives a simple and immediate estimation as to whether or not the
lead concentration is at a hazardous level and whether abatement measures are
needed.

An example of a color-changing chemical reagent used in lead test strips is

dibromo-p-methyl-methylsulfonazo (DBM-MSA). It is commonly employed in lead test
kits for its ability to form a distinctive color complex with lead ions (Pb²⁺).
1. Formation of the Lead-DMPS Complex:
- In the presence of lead ions (Pb²⁺), DBM-MSA reacts with the metal ions to
form a lead-DMPS complex. This reaction can be represented as:

Pb²⁺ (aq) + DMPS (indicator) → Pb-DMPS Complex

2. Color Change:

blue complex