Effects Of Activated Carbon Characteristics On Organic Contaminant Removal

Many water treatment plants need to remove objectionable trace organic compounds, and activated carbon adsorption is often the best available technology. Utilities face the challenge of having to choose from a large variety of activated carbons, and iodine number or BET surface area values are often utilized in the selection process. Although neither parameter correlates well with adsorption capacities, alternative activated carbon selection criteria based on fundamental adsorbent and adsorbate properties are lacking to date. The first objective of this research was to systematically evaluate the effects of activated carbon pore structure and surface chemistry on the adsorption of two common drinking water contaminants: the relatively polar fuel oxygenate methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and the relatively nonpolar solvent trichloroethene (TCE). The second objective was to develop simple descriptors of activated carbon characteristics that facilitate the selection of suitable adsorbents for the removal of organic contaminants from drinking water.Originally published by AwwaRF for its subscribers in 2003 This publication can also be purchased and downloaded via Pay Per View on Water Intelligence Online - click on the Pay Per View icon below

This project studies the application of high-silica zeolites for the removal of polar organic contaminants, i.e., antimicrobial compounds and the fuel additive methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), from drinking water. Recently published data show that high-silica zeolites, a class of crystalline adsorbents with well defined pore sizes, exhibit considerably larger single-solute MTBE adsorption capacities than activated carbons and carbonaceous resins. The effectiveness of high-silica zeolites is compared to that of activated carbons and a carbonaceous resin.

Activated Carbon Surfaces in Environmental Remediation provides a comprehensive summary of the environmental applications of activated carbons. In order to understand the removal of contaminants and pollutants on activated carbons, the theoretical bases of adsorption phenomena are discussed. The effects of pore structure and surface chemistry are also addressed from both science and engineering perspectives. Each chapter provides examples of real applications with an emphasis on the role of the carbon surface in adsorption or reactive adsorption. The practical aspects addressed in this book cover the broad spectrum of applications from air and water cleaning and energy storage to warfare gas removal and biomedical applications. This book can serve as a handbook or reference book for graduate students, researchers and practitioners with an interest in filtration, water treatment, adsorbents and air cleaning, in addition to environmental policies and regulations. Addresses fundamental carbon science and how it relates to applications of carbon surfaces Describes the broad spectrum of activated carbon applications in environmental remediation Serves as a handbook or reference book for graduate students, researchers and practitioners in the field

This monograph provides comprehensive coverage of technologies which integrate adsorption and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment. The authors provide both an introduction to the topic as well as a detailed discussion of theoretical and practical considerations. After a review of the basics involved in the chemistry, biology and technology of integrated adsorption and biological removal, they discuss the setup of pilot- and full-scale treatment facilities, covering powdered as well as granular activated carbon. They elucidate the factors that influence the successful operation of integrated systems. Their discussion on integrated systems expands from the effects of environmental to the removal of various pollutants, to regeneration of activated carbon, and to the analysis of such systems in mathematical terms. The authors conclude with a look at future needs for research and develoment. A truly valuable resource for environmental engineers, environmental and water chemists, as well as professionals working in water and wastewater treatment.

Adsorption by Carbons covers the most significant aspects of adsorption by carbons, attempting to fill the existing gap between the fields of adsorption and carbonaceous materials. Both basic and applied aspects are presented. The first section of the book introduces physical adsorption and carbonaceous materials, and is followed by a section concerning the fundamentals of adsorption by carbons. This leads to development of a series of theoretical concepts that serve as an introduction to the following section in which adsorption is mainly envisaged as a tool to characterize the porous texture and surface chemistry of carbons. Particular attention is paid to some novel nanocarbons, and the electrochemistry of adsorption by carbons is also addressed. Finally, several important technological applications of gas and liquid adsorption by carbons in areas such as environmental protection and energy storage constitute the last section of the book. The first book to address the interplay between carbonaceous materials and adsorption Includes important environmental applications, such as the removal of volatile organic compounds from polluted atmospheres Covers both gas-solid and liquid-solid adsorption

"Many books have been written about granular activated carbon. Some focus on the theory of performance and removal mechanisms while others focus on design features. This book focuses on solutions. It describes the challenges facing water providers to provide safe water that is acceptable to their customers, utility experiences using activated carbon, activated carbon applications, and design and procurement approaches. The appendices include detailed case studies and a life-cycle assessment demonstrating favorable sustainability considerations for activated carbon when compared to other treatment technologies. Never before has all of this information been together in one location. The what, why, and how of activated carbon are connected in this book and demonstrate why this treatment technology has maintained its status as an integral treatment technology in the quest for pure water over millennia"--