Using Granulated Wood Charcoal as a Filter Medium

Submitted by Erin Rasmussen on

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Agbanobi, R. O.

Source:

J. Environ. Qual., Volume 28, Number 3, p.1038-1040 (1999)

URL:

http://jeq.scijournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/3/1038

Abstract:

The use of activated carbon (AC) filtration and chlorination to polish wastewater effluent is becoming increasingly costly. A cost-effective approach is needed to clean large volumes of wastewater often discharged into surface waters or used to recharge depleted ground water aquifers. Hardwood charcoal is characterized by large pore size, which makes it a possible media for absorbing bacteria and organic matter, similar to AC in filtration capabilities. To determine the efficiency of granular wood charcoal (GWC) as a filter medium, a comparative study was carried out in a laboratory test using GWC and sand. The results showed that GWC is superior to the sand in pollutant removal and length of effectiveness. This is important because GWC can be obtained at relatively little cost. This is an effective and environmentally sound approach for recycling the growing volume of wood charcoal in the municipal solid waste stream.