PERFORMANCE OF GAC FILTERS FOR THE TREATMENT OF RIVER MURRAY WATER

摘要

This study utilised laboratory granular activated carbon (GAC) column experiments to evaluate the performance of a full-scale GAC filter at the Swan Reach water treatment plant for the removal of a range of cyanobacterial metabolites and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). GAC samples were taken at intervals from the full-scale filter and challenged over two-week periods with river water spiked with appropriate concentrations of the major metabolites. The laboratory GAC column was shown to be able to mimic the full-scale GAC filter for the removal of DOC, validating its application as a successful monitoring and performance testing tool. Efficient removals of the cyanobacterial metabolites were observed even after the GAC had been in operation for approximately 2.5 years. Removal of DOC and the cyanobacterial metabolites appeared to be predominantly through adsorption processes, although some level of biodegradation may have taken place.