Adsorption and Desorption of Emerging Water Contaminants on Activated Carbon Fabrics

Abstract

Nowadays, a wide variety of organic contaminants is present at trace concentrations in wastewater effluents. In order to mitigate these pollution problems, the implementation of the REACH European regulation has defined lists of targeted pollutants to be eliminated selectively in water. This therefore implies the development of innovative and more efficient remediation techniques. In this regard, adsorption processes can be successfully used to achieve the removal of organic compounds in waste water treatment processes, especially at low pollutant concentration. Activated carbons possess a highly developed porosity and thus demonstrate high adsorption capacities. More specifically, carbon cloths show high adsorption rates, ease of handling, good mechanical integrity and regeneration potential. When loaded with pollutants, these materials can be regenerated using electrochemical polarization.