Tailored GAC for the Effective Control of 2-Methylisoborneol

摘要

Rapid small-scale column tests were used to compare virgin, conventionally reactivated, and steam-pyrolysis reactivated granular activated carbons (GACs) for their performance in removing 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and their ability to retain MIB when the odor episode subsided. Two clarified waters were used to compare the differences in GAC performance for MIB removal when in competition with differing concentrations of total organic carbon. Although the virgin wood-based GAC processed more bed volumes before initial breakthrough and before surpassing the odor threshold concentration than did the coal-based virgin GACs, its affinity for MIB when the odor episode subsided was the weakest. However, the physically activated and reactivated carbons had excellent affinities for MIB after the odor episode concluded. In addition, a tailored reactivation protocol resulted in lower mass and volume loss, produced a carbon with a higher surface area, and outperformed the conventionally reactivated GAC with respect to MIB removal.