Optimization of Granular Activated Carbon Treatment of Algal Toxins – a laboratory study

Wasielewski, Jennifer

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109911 Copy

Description

Title

Optimization of Granular Activated Carbon Treatment of Algal Toxins – a laboratory study

Author(s)

Wasielewski, Jennifer

Issue Date

2021-04-27

Keyword(s)

algal toxins

Abstract

Presented by: Jennifer Wasielewski – Scientist at GHD, jennifer.wasielewski@ghd.com Co-authors: Donald Pope Jr, Sophia Dore, Ryan Thomas, Teresa Misiti Abstract: Granular activated carbon (GAC) can be used to remove algal toxins such as microcystin from drinking water. In order to confirm the effectiveness of GAC for treating microcystin treatability column tests were completed using two different types of GAC to determine the most effective type of carbon to be used for treatment of microcystin during the upcoming bloom season. Arsenic has been found in drinking water treated with GAC previously. To evaluate the potential of arsenic leaching from the GAC, column tests were conducted. Columns were set up containing the two selected GAC types and effluent was periodically monitored for total and soluble arsenic during 10 days of continuous operation. The results indicated which carbon performed best for adsorption of microcystin This column operated for 25 days of lab-scale operation without breakthrough. The equivalent of 21.5 mg of microcystin would be absorbed per pound of GAC in the full-scale filter vessels. The results of the arsenic testing indicate that the initial arsenic concentrations in both columns were well below the EPA MCL. Moreover, within 3 days of continuous flushing, effluent arsenic concentrations in both columns decreased to near the raw water (influent) concentration for the duration of the 10-day flush period. Biography: Jennifer Wasielewski is a member of the Innovative Technology Group at GHD based in Niagara Falls, New York. She performs analytical testing on groundwater, soil, and gas samples in their laboratory in Niagara Falls. She performs analyses including microbial analyses, UV/Vis spectroscopy, GC and GC/MS spectroscopy, metals, and Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis. Jennifer also assists with the preparation and setup of treatability studies on groundwater and soil samples. The treatability studies include chemical oxidation, enhanced bioremediation, and solidification and stabilization.

Series/Report Name or Number

2021 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC21)

Type of Resource

• text
• still image

Language

en

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109911

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