Removal of humic acid from water through adsorption–ultrafiltration hybrid processes

Abstract

Magnetic activated carbon (MAC) was prepared, characterized, and investigated to quantify the effects of pretreatment in a membrane filtration system. The effects of MAC on membrane parameters like percent retention, permeate flux, and backwash times were compared to that of powdered activated carbon (PAC). The prepared adsorbent has magnetization values 10 JT⁻¹ kg⁻¹ and point of zero charge value of 8.67. The effects of both adsorbents on membrane parameters were almost same. However, the secondary problems like cake formation have been observed for PAC was not observed due to the fact that MAC was removed from slurry through magnet. Also, PAC caused blackening of flow meter and pipes when used in combination with ultrafiltration membrane (UF) in a hybrid manner. The backwash time was shortest for MAC/UF hybrid process as compared to PAC/UF operation.

Keywords:

• Ultrafiltration
• Permeate flux
• Percent retention
• Adsorption
• Foulants