Activated carbon-enhanced biological groundwater treatment: Superfund site case study
- Earth Technology, Grand Rapids, MI (United States)
- Grand Valley State Univ., Allendale, MI (United States)
- CPC International, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ (United States)
- Cordova Chemical Co. of Michigan, North Muskegon, MI (United States)
Two activated carbon-enhanced biological treatment processes, GAC/FB (granular activated carbon/fluidized bed) and two-stage PACT{reg_sign} (powdered activated carbon treatment) were evaluated for treatment of impacted groundwater at a former organic chemicals manufacturing facility, known as the Ott/Story/Cordova Superfund Site near Muskegon, Michigan. The groundwater contains an estimated 80 mg/L of ammonia-nitrogen and 1,500 mg/L of chemical oxygen demand (COD). Of the COD, 30% is comprised of a complex mixture of 50 targeted compounds including halogenated and aromatic organics. The remaining COD includes an unidentified group of process intermediates and degradation products related to historical production at the facility. GAC/FB and PACT{reg_sign} were initially evaluated using treatability-scale reactors. The GAC/FB reactor achieved consistent, high removals of all organic compounds, but consistent nitrification could not be maintained. The two-stage PACT{reg_sign} 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. Three of the most highly impacted site wells were used to supply groundwater to the two-stage PACT{reg_sign} system. Excellent removal of all known and unknown organic compounds as well as nearly complete nitrification were consistently achieved. As a result of the on-site pilot study, a two-stage PACT{reg_sign} system is being implemented at the site.
- OSTI ID:
- 479341
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950483--; ISBN 1-57477-010-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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