Orthophosphate and polyphosphates are widely used by drinking water utilities to reduce
lead, copper, and iron (Fe) release from distribution system materials and reduce visible Fe
precipitation and related discolored water complaints. Bench-scale experiments were
conducted to evaluate the effect of orthophosphate and several polyphosphates on the
properties of Fe particles and suspensions derived from the oxygenation of Fe(II) at a single
oxygen concentration over a broad pH range. Results showed that polyphosphates and
orthophosphate, to a lesser extent, reduced apparent color and turbidity of Fe suspensions,
decreased particle size, made the zeta potential more negative, and increased Fe suspension
stability. A fixed-mass concentration of low-molecular-weight polyphosphate was more
effective at reducing the particle size of Fe(III) solids than high-molecular-weight
polyphosphates. Includes 53 references, tables, figures.