Catalytic Ozonation with Activated Carbon for Treatment of Humic Substances in Water

Abstract

Ozonation of the ubiquitous and poorly biodegradable humic acid in aquatic system was conducted in the presence of activated carbon with the aim of catalyst. The optimum operating parameters deduced from this study was GAC amount of 16.5 v/v% (GAC column volume per reactor volume) in the humic acid solution of initial pH 9. DOC removal rate in Ozone/GAC process was higher than the sum of Ozone alone and GAC adsorption process. Formaldehyde formation in Ozone/GAC process was less than in Ozone alone and GAC adsorption process. The part of molecular size distribution under 10 k Dalton were increased in the Ozone/GAC process.