Abstract
The objective of this pilot-study is to evaluate the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) performance for the removal of specific disinfection by-products (DBPs), trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), from Athens drinking water. For this purpose, a GAC pilot filter-adsorber was operated in Galatsi WTP, Athens, for 235 days, until the GAC removal efficiency for individual THMs, HAAs and DOC was almost eliminated (breakthrough). From the experimental results, GAC bed life, GAC loading, carbon usage rate, and operation time to breakthrough for most THMs and HAAs were calculated. The average influent concentrations of the more chlorinated THMs and HAAs were higher than those of less chlorinated and more brominated species and their mass adsorbed on the GAC column was also higher, as expected according to Freundlich isotherm. TCA, TCM and DCA had the highest influent concentrations and they seemed to be better adsorbed than the rest. TBM, TBA and DBCA were almost not detected in feed water. Comparison of the GAC loading at breakthough for pairs of compounds with similar average influent concentration showed that TCA is better adsorbed than TCM and that BDCA is better adsorbed than MCA, BDCM and DBCM. Desorption phenomena of some THMs and HAAs, probably caused by a sudden drop in influent concentration, were also noticed. The above findings represent real operation conditions for Athens drinking water. Further research is recommended on methods to reduce desorption from carbon beds.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
