Removal of higher molecular weight organic compounds by the granular activated carbon adsorption unit process

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · J. Environ. Pathol., Toxicol. Oncol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5481968

Stevens, A A; Seeger, D R; DeMarco, J; Moore, L

The granular activated carbon adsorption unit process in drinking water treatment typically removes purgeable organic compounds for time periods on the order of a few weeks. Experimental evidence indicates that less volatile compounds of generally higher molecular weight than the purgeable fraction, but still detectable by gas chromatography, are efficiently removed for longer periods. Field data substantiate this. Explanatory mechanisms may include stronger adsorption affinities or biodegradation. Non-gas chromatographable, higher molecular weight materials such as humic acids, as measured by Total Organic Carbon (TOC) or trihalomethane formation potential, revert to lower removal efficiencies. Biodegradation may be responsible for a continued long term removal of a fraction of these materials.

• OSTI ID: 5481968
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Pathol., Toxicol. Oncol.; (United States), Vol. 7:7-8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACTIVATED CARBON
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ADSORPTION
WATER SUPPLY
DECONTAMINATION
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
LOUISIANA
MICHIGAN
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
WATER POLLUTION
ADSORBENTS
CARBON
CHROMATOGRAPHY
CLEANING
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION V
FEDERAL REGION VI
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SORPTION
SURFACE PROPERTIES
USA
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)