Adsorption and desorption of trace organic contaminants from granular activated carbon adsorbers after intermittent loading and throughout backwash cycles

A granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption simulation methodology using the observed trace organic contaminant mid-point breakthrough and the pore diffusion model is presented, validated, and used to model adsorption and concentration gradient driven desorption. Trace organic contaminant adsorption was well-simulated by this approach; however, desorption from GAC adsorbers was found to occur at lower concentrations than predicted by either pore or surface diffusion model calculations. The observed concentration profiles during desorption yielded a lower peak concentration and more elongated attenuation of contaminants after intermittent loading conditions than predicted by the models. Hindered back diffusion caused by irreversibly adsorbed dissolved organic matter on the GAC surface is hypothesized to be responsible for slowing the desorption kinetics. In addition, laboratory test results indicate a negligible impact of simulated backwashing the GAC media on trace organic contaminant breakthrough.