The Effects of Relative Humidity on the Vapor Phase Adsorption of Trichloroethylene by Activated Carbon

Abstract

The effect of relative humidity on activated carbon adsorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) was determined. Five levels of relative humidity were tested for each of four TCE influent concentrations. The effect of humidity was greatest at the lowest TCE influent concentration (300 mg/m3) and highest relative humidity involved (85%). Under those conditions the amount of TCE adsorbed was only 9% of the amount adsorbed at the same challenge concentrations and lowest relative humidity (5%). The effect of humidity was negligible at the highest TCE concentrations (1000 and 1300 mg/m3) and moderate level of relative humidity (25%). Under all other conditions tested the effect was intermediate to these extremes. Differences in TCE breakthrough curves caused by the presence of water vapor are presented and discussed. Data sets (grouped by relative humidity) fit the Dubinin - Polanyi equation equally well.