Evaluation of the Adsorption of Aquatic Humic Substances in Batch and Column Experiments by Thermally Modified Activated Carbons

Abstract

Two commercially available granular activated carbons (GACs) were thermally modified and evaluated for their adsorption properties in batch and column mode experiments. The widely used and well characterized aquatic humic substances were used as adsorbate. The aim was to relate the adsorption properties of GAC with their physicochemical properties and also evaluate the impact of heat treatment under nitrogen atmosphere on the performance of the adsorbent in both batch and column operation modes. Heat treatment had a qualitatively similar effect on surface basicity and pore volume of both adsorbents. However, in quantitative terms, significant differences were reported. Heat-treatment enhanced batch adsorption capacity only for GAC-A. Surface available in pores within 12−15 Å width was strongly correlated to the NOM adsorption capacity. Benefits of thermal treatment were more evident at high initial solute concentrations. Results from batch adsorption did not have a straightforward relationship with column adsorption performance. Column adsorption capacities at complete breakthrough reached 26% and 79% of batch mode capacities. The highest difference was observed for carbon GAC-A, which corresponds to the more mass transfer limited system. During column operation smaller fractions of NOM were more readily adsorbed compared to batch mode.