| Background & objectives: Humic acid plays a main role in formation of carcinogenic
chlorinated by-products (CBPs). The aim of this study was determination of optimum
conditions for removal of humic acid by using nano activated carbon and surfectant modified
natural nano zeolite (SMNZ) in Isfahan Babasheikhali water treatment plant.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on a laboratory scale in batch reactors.
Water samples were taken from Isfahan Babasheikhali water treatment plant. Design of the
experiments was set using Taguchi method implemented by Minitab 15 software to reduce
costs. In order to determine optimum conditions for removal of humic acid, activated nano
carbon and surfactant modified Nano clinoptilolite zeolite (SMNZ) of smaller than 100 nm
were used.
Results: XRD images confirmed changes in surface charge distribution of nano zeolite.
Based on the signal to noise ratio, the optimal conditions obtained to remove >99% of humic
acid were: pH=5, contact time=2 hours, stirring speed = 250 rpm, pollutant concentration= 50
ppm and adsorbent dosage=0.2 g/l. ANOVA statistical test showed a significant difference
between the contaminant removal efficiency of SMNZ and activated nano carbon (p<0.05).
Conclusions: This study showed that SMNZ could have better potential than active nano
carbon for removing humic acid. SMNZ has ability to minimize CBPs through removing
humic acid and reducing SUVA index. |