AWWA ACE68693

The objective of this powerpoint presentation was to examine how three commercially available nanomaterials (TiO₂, SiO₂, Fe₂O₃) impact the removal of TCE by activated carbon adsorption. Methods used include the following: characterizing particle size distribution(PSD); conducting adsorption isotherms involving TCE, PAC, nanoparticles, natural organic matter (NOM); and, running a small scale granular activated carbon (GAC) column. Experimental setup, analytical instrumentation, and results of PSD experiments and adsorption isotherms are presented. Presentation conclusions for PSD experiments indicate the following: silica particles did not display the ability to agglomerate in water; at a 1 mg/L concentration level, titania aggregates stabilized around a size of 11 µm, and at 0.5 mg/L, stabilized around 8 µm; no observable difference was seen between the PSD of 1.0 and 0.5 mg/L iron oxide solutions; and, both the titania and iron oxide nanoparticle aggregates stabilize (in size) quickly in water. Conclusions for adsorption isotherms indicate that: silica had no observable impact on TCE adsorption by PAC; titania and iron oxide both acted as adsorption sites for TCE; and, titania and iron oxide both impacted the activated carbon adsorption of TCE, with titania having the most significant effect. Includes table, figures.