Effect of dissolved oxygen on activated carbon uptake

Abstract

Isotherm studies on phenolics show a 20-115% increase in uptake due to the presence of oxygen in the test environment, with the additional uptake increasing with decreasing equilibrium concentrations. The same phenomenon is found when oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate are used. Equilibrium data show no such effect on aliphatics. Uptake of domestic and industrial wastewater improve similarly.

A mathematical model which incorporates the observed reactions with adsorption is formulated. In that model the reaction is assumed to be first order with respect to the capacity and not limited by dissolved oxygen existence.