Use of Powdered Activated Carbon for removal of Synthetic Organics from Groundwater

Introduction
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) is an additive used in wastewater treatment to remove synthetic organics from groundwater. PAC is a form of organic material such as coal which has undergone controlled oxidation to develop a porous carbon structure. Typical uses of powdered activated carbon are ;adsorbing taste and odour compounds, adsorbing natural organic compounds and adsorbing synthetic organic chemicals in groundwater. This presentation will outline the contaminant description, detection methods, treatment methods and the conclusions reached for this particular water treatment technology.

Types of Activated Carbon

There are two main type of activated carbon used in groundwater treatment - Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) - Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Both made from organic materials with high carbon contents such as wood, lignite and coal. (PAC) - Has diameters < 0.1 mm (GAC) - Has diameters ranging from 1.2 - 1.6mm Reason for PAC!

Application of Carbon Guidelines

When applying the Powdered Activated Carbon; 1. An adequate contact time should be given between the PAC and organics 2. Avoid coating PAC particles with other water treatment plant chemicals. 3. A minimum contact time of about 15 minutes is required for most taste and odour compounds. (however, significantly longer contact times may be required for methyl-iso-borneol (MIB) and geosmin removal). 4. The PAC should not be coated with coagulants or other water treatment chemicals before the PAC has had sufficient contact time with the source water. 5. Also, PAC should not be added concurrently with chlorine or potassium permanganate as these chemicals will adsorb to the PAC.

Synthetic Organics
Synthetic organics are man made organic compounds such as: - carcinogens - surfactant pesticides - cleaning solvents - trihalomethanes

Powdered Activated Carbon Treatment

PAC is used by water treatment plants on either a full time basis or as needed for taste and odour control or removal of organic chemicals. Dry feed systems are typically used for smaller dosages and where PAC feed is infrequent. Slurry systems are normally used when PAC is frequently added and the required dosages are high. PAC is normally added early in the treatment process and is subsequently removed either by sedimentation or by the filter beds during backwashing. PAC is fed as a powder using dry feed equipment or as a slurry using metering pumps. PAC can also be mixed with water and fed as a slurry.