Science Inventory

Effects of Temperature and Acidic Pre-Treatment on Fenton-Driven Oxidation of MTBE-Spent Granular Activated Carbon

Citation:

Kan, E. AND S. G. HULING. Effects of Temperature and Acidic Pre-Treatment on Fenton-Driven Oxidation of MTBE-Spent Granular Activated Carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Indianapolis, IN, 43(5):1493-1499, (2009).

Impact/Purpose:

To investigate temperature-dependent mechanisms in the Fenton-driven chemical oxidation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)-spent granular activated carbon (GAC).

Description:

Temperature-dependent mechanisms in the Fenton-driven chemical oxidation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)-spent granular activated carbon (GAC) was investigated. Prior to iron (Fe) amendment to the GAC, acid-treatment altered the surface chemistry of the GAC and lowered the pH point of zero charge. Consequently, a reduction in repulsive forces between Fe cations in solution and positively charged GAC surfaces resulted in greater penetration of Fe in GAC. MTBE removal in GAC and H2O2 reaction was proportional with temperature. Enhanced MTBE removal was measured under the acid treated, Fe-amended conditions where Fe was distributed more uniformly. this condition led to a larger volume of the GAC where Fe, MTBE, and H2O2 co-existed and MTBE oxidation was favorable. H2O2 diffusive transport into the GAC partice was limited due to fast reaction. H2O2 penetration was inversely proportional with temperature and tortuosity was was faster over a larger relative volume of small GAC particles. Both intraparticle diffusive transport of MTBE into the "reactive zone" and fast reaction of H2O2 (i.e., short persistence) were limiting factors in MTBE removal from GAC. Conditions for optimal Fenton-driven regeneration of MTBE-spent GAC includes acid-treatment of small, Fe-amended GAC particles at elevated temperature.

Record Details:

Record Type:DOCUMENT( JOURNAL/ PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL)
Product Published Date:01/29/2009
Record Last Revised:06/04/2009
OMB Category:Other
Record ID: 205715