Adsorption isotherms and kinetics for the removal of algal organic matter by granular activated carbon

Seasonal algal blooms in surface water release a significant amount of algal organic matter (AOM), which alters the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM). AOM affects the drinking water treatment processes and finished water quality. In this study, the relative removal efficiency of AOM and humic acid by granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption was detemiined. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of GAC, which varied from 4235-31.45 mg/g for AOM originated from different algae. Freundlich isotherm models fitted the adsorption equilibrium data, and the adsorption kinetics data were fitted well using a pseudo-second order kinetic model. The calculated thermodynamics parameters (Delta G(0), Delta H-0 and ,Delta S-0) indicated that GAC adsorption for DOM removal was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, the relative removal efficiency of AOM and humic acid by granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption was determined through batch experiments. The adsorption data fit Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo-second order kinetic models well. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that GAC adsorption for DOM removal was endothermic and spontaneous.