The removal of manganese, iron and ammonium nitrogen on impregnated activated carbon

Abstract

Intensive development of industry branches and agriculture causes a progressive deterioration of natural environment and a decrease in drinking water resources. Both in surface waters and underground waters, the increase in concentration of different elements and compounds which are dangerous for humans is observed. Unfortunately, the removal of these impurities by means of traditional methods is not always effective. Therefore, new, more and more efficient and modern methods of water treatment are searched for. In natural conditions, iron and manganese mostly occur in the form of hydrocarbons, sulphates, chlorides, combinations with humus compounds and sometimes in the form of phosphates. While getting into contact with air, these elements precipitate from water in the form of dark deposits, and water becomes turbid and dark-brown. The occurrence of these elements always creates some problems during water treatment. The occurrence of iron and manganese causes that water-pipe network to become overgrown. At much higher concentrations, both iron and manganese also have disadvantageous influence on people and animals. What is more, over-concentration of ammonium nitrogen accelerates the corrosion of water conduits and it complicates the processes of chlorination creating chloramines. Underground waters are often not suitable for direct municipal and industrial utilization. That is why they ought to be treated in a proper way. There are many methods of their treatment, which allow removing manganese, iron and ammonium nitrogen from water; however, they do not fulfil the sharpened norms of water quality. What is more, they make some troubles in technological systems. In the research, a trial of usage the impregnated, activated carbon, which has the symbol WD extra, was conducted. The porous structure of technical and impregnated activated carbon was analysed. The research was conducted in static and dynamic conditions. On the basis of the carried out research, static and dynamic adsorption capacities were determined. The times of protective action for particular compounds, which are removed, were also determined.