Improving Mercury (II) Removal by Activated Carbon

Abstract

Research was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of mercury (II) removal from water by activated carbon with and without chemical aids. Batch tests, adsorption isotherms, and column runs were made on various systems. Treatment with activated carbon alone was most effective at low pH. Addition of a precipitating chelate ammonium 1-1 pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate improved capacity for mercury removal. Treatment of the activated carbon surface with carbon disulfide was also effective in increasing carbon capacity for mercury as compared to untreated carbon. It was possible to reduce influent mercury (II) concentrations from 3 mg/l to below 5 ppb with most of the systems tested.