Effects of molecular oxygen on gac adsorption of energetics

Abstract

Munitions wastewaters are commonly treated by granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption followed by incineration of the spent carbon. The design of effective GAC unit processes hinges on the knowledge of GAC adsorption capacity for the compounds of interest as well as the types of chemical interactions to expect. GAC can often catalyze polymerization or chemical degradation of the adsorbate in the presence of molecular oxygen. Some adsorbates, though less common, may be subject to catalytic activity even when no molecular oxygen is present. The products of these interactions may enhance or interfere with effective waste treatment. This study individually evaluated the adsorption properties of a variety of energetics compounds. A number of surface catalyzed polymerization and degradation reactions were noted.