Understanding and predicting natural organic matter adsorption by granular activated carbon columns

A primary objective and, in many cases, a regulatory requirement of drinking water treatment utilities is to remove natural organic matter (NOM) from source water. Granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption processes, though relatively expensive, are often the best available technology for NOM removal. Although significant research has been devoted to understanding adsorption of NOM by GAC, relatively little work has been done to identify the factors that affect adsorption in flow-through GAC columns. In this thesis, several variables that affect the adsorption of NOM by flow-through GAC systems are identified and systematically evaluated. In addition, empirical models are developed to predict the breakthrough of total organic carbon (TOC), a surrogate of NOM, in GAC adsorbers.; A total of 48 rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) were performed to investigate the effects that influent TOC concentration, empty bed contact time (EBCT), field-scale GAC size, and small-scale GAC size have on TOC breakthrough in GAC adsorbers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...