Removal of Dieldrin from Water by Activated Carbon

Abstract

This research investigates quantification of the effectiveness of activated carbon for removing dieldrin, a highly toxic and persistant environmental pollutant, from water supplies in the presence of a major competing class of compounds, humic acids. Equilibrium, rate, and long‐term column studies were conducted to evaluate the adsorption dynamics of dieldrin with respect to activated carbon. The results indicate that activated carbon is highly effective in removing dieldrin from water. Furthermore, removal efficiencies appear to be adversely affected by background organic substances.