Removal of Humic Substances by Adsorption/Ion Exchange

Abstract

This paper gives an overview over the ability of four different sorbent media, activated carbon, anion exchange resins, carbonaceous resins and metal oxides, for the removal of humic sustances. Both sorbent characteristics and solution parameters that affect the ultimate capacities are discussed, and approaches developed in order to describe sorption equilibria and rate of uptake are reported. In addition, successes and failures of predictive models are described. Some general conclusions about favorable conditions for the removal of humic substances by sorption processes are given.