Activated carbon/enhanced biological treatment of a complex groundwater
Impacted groundwater at the Ott/Story/Cordova Superfund site near Muskegon, Michigan contains a complex mixture of organic compounds and nitrogen. The remediation plan for the site calls for extraction and treatment of 4,600 cubic meters per day of groundwater, estimated to contain 1,500 mg/L of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 80 mg/L of ammonia-nitrogen. Approximately 30% of the COD is comprised of a mixture of 50 Appendix IX compounds, including halogenated and aromatic orcanics. The remaining COD is contributed by an unidentified group of process intermediates and degradation products related to historical production at this former chemical production facility. The objectives for discharge of the treated Groundwater to a local surface water body included removal of known organic compounds and ammonia-nitrogen, as well as numerous unidentified compounds in the site groundwater. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of two activated carbon-enhanced biological treatment systems: granular activated Carbon/fluidized bed (GAC/FB) and powdered activated carbon treatment (PACT{reg_sign}) for achieving the expected standards for surface water discharge. GAC/FB and PACT were initially evaluated using laboratory-scale reactors. The GAC/FB reactor achieved consistent, high removals of all organic compounds; however, consistent nitrification could not be maintained. The two-stage PACT system achieved nearly complete removal of all organic compounds and ammonia. A 9.5-L/minute pilot system was subsequently operated at the site to provide additional performance information for the two-stage PACT process. Three of the most highly impacted site wells were used to supply groundwater to the pilot system. Excellent removal of all known and unknown organic compounds, and nearly complete nitrification was consistently achieved. As a result of the on-site pilot study, a two-stage PACT system is being implemented at the site.
- OSTI ID:
- 416865
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-951023--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Superfund Record of Decision (EPA Region 5): Ott/Story/Cordova Chemical Site, operable unit 3, North Muskegon, MI, September 1993