Granular activated carbon (GAC) is one of the most popular and effective absorbents for organic pollutants removal in water treatment, such as isopropyl alcohol, estrogen, pesticides, antibiotics, et al. However, the application of GAC was limited by its’ high cost. The regeneration efficiency and cost estimation of atenolol-loaded GAC by microwave-based advanced oxidation process (MAOP) and the feasibility of its engineering application were investigated. The regeneration efficiency was evaluated by the regeneration time, re-absorption saturation amount, variation of its typical functional groups, and microstructure by SEM. It was found that the regeneration of GAC by MAOP can recovery as high as 93% of the adsorption capacity. The regenerated GAC showed a decrease in acidic functional groups and an increase in basic, carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups, which is related to microwave heating. MAOP can reshape the surface and internal microstructure of GAC, which helps recover its adsorption capacity. The absorption capacity and weight loss of GAC were 51% and 19% after 7-regeneration cycle by MAOP. Present MAOP GAC regeneration technology is less costly than that of hydrogen peroxide.

Regeneration mechanism and cost estimation of organic pollutants absorbed activated carbon by microwave-based advanced oxidation process

ACS Fall 2021

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