Removal of airborne microorganisms emitted from a wastewater treatmentoxidation ditch by adsorption on activated carbon
Lin Li , Min Gao , Junxin Liu , Xuesong Guo
DOI:
Received June 30, 2010,Revised December 02, 2010, Accepted , Available online
Volume 23,2011,Pages 711-717
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Bioaerosol emissions from wastewater and wastewater treatment processes are a significant subgroup of atmospheric aerosols. Most
previous work has focused on the evaluation of their biological risks. In this study, however, the adsorption method was applied to reduce
airborne microorganisms generated from a pilot scale wastewater treatment facility with oxidation ditch. Results showed adsorption
on granule activated carbon (GAC) was an e cient method for the purification of airborne microorganisms. The GAC itself had a
maximum adsorption capacity of 2217 CFU/g for airborne bacteria and 225 CFU/g for fungi with a flow rate of 1.50 m3/hr. Over 85%
of airborne bacteria and fungi emitted from the oxidation ditch were adsorbed within 80 hr of continuous operation mode. Most of them
had a particle size of 0.65–4.7 m. Those airborne microorganisms with small particle size were apt to be adsorbed. The SEM/EDAX,
BET and Boehm’s titration methods were applied to analyse the physicochemical characteristics of the GAC. Relationships between
GAC surface characteristics and its adsorption performance demonstrated that porous structure, large surface area, and hydrophobicity
rendered GAC an e ective absorber of airborne microorganisms. Two regenerate methods, ultraviolet irradiation and high pressure
vapor, were compared for the regeneration of used activated carbon. High pressure vapor was an e ective technique as it totally
destroyed the microorganisms adhered to the activated carbon. Microscopic observation was also carried out to investigate original and
used adsorbents.
