Full Description

When utility managers solicit bids for granular activatedcarbon (GAC) in their filters, they tend to limit itto bituminous GAC because of the perception that ligniteGAC is inferior. This study, conducted at theSweeney Water Treatment Plant in Wilmington, North Carolinawas conducted to determine whether there are indeeddifferences between lignite and bituminous GAC. Theplant treats Cape Fear River water using a series oftreatment processes that include ozonation and biofiltration.For this study, the existing GAC media in twoof the plant's full-scale dual-media filters was replaced;one with lignite GAC and the other with bituminousGAC. The two new filters and one control filter containingthe original GAC were operated and monitoredfor 13 months. The first three months were used toexhaust the adsorptive capacity of the new GAC andbiologically acclimate it. During the subsequent 10months, water quality samples were collected fromvarious points throughout the treatment plant and fromthe effluent of each of the three filters. The sampleswere analyzed for various physical, chemical, and biologicalconstituents, and the results showed that the twotypes performed equally well for both filtration andbiofiltration. The results of this study should encourageutility managers to include lignite GAC in bids for GACmedia for use in drinking water treatment. Includes 3 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 97 - No. 1 Published: 01/01/2005 Number of Pages: 8 File Size: 1 file , 330 KB