This modelling study reveals that the sequential use of zero valent iron (ZVI) and granular activated carbon (GAC) can potentially be used for in-situ treatment of groundwater with multiple contaminant mixtures. However, crucial design rules should be followed, since the performance of the combined system depends on the interplay 6f processes in both reactor units. As an example, a mixture of common aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons (PCE, TCE, and cis-DCE) and one aromatic chlorinated hydrocarbon (Chlorobenzene) is considered. All these compounds are primary pollutants at the Bitterfeld site in Germany. The results show that the concentrations of less sorbing compounds, such as cis-DCE, have to be reduced in the ZVI reactor far beyond the desired maximum contaminant level in order to restrict concentration build-ups in the GAC reactor, which occur due to competitive sorption with contaminants withheld in the GAC.
展开▼
