Carvão ativado de caroço de pêssego, uma alternativa para adsorção de compostos contaminantes em água de abastecimento público

Abstract

The development of new methods for removing contaminants (2 methyl isoborneol, geosmin and atrazine) in public water supplies has been constantly tested. A completely accepted technology that can be efficient and used in any drinking water treatment plant is not yet available. The search for different associated techniques has shown an increase in the removal of contaminants, with adsorption being the most efficient method. Activated carbon is an adsorbent material of great importance for the use of contaminant adsorption in water. The peach kernel, an agro-industrial residue, proved to be relevant and with potential for use as a precursor material for activated carbon for adsorptive processes. The precursor material was characterized, presenting porosity and surface area compatible with the adsorptive capacity of the studied compounds. The adsorption efficiency was carried out in experiments with different masses of coal, varying the contact times, and compared with commercial coals. For samples containing 3000 ng L-1 of MIB and geosmin, removal rates above 90% were obtained using activated peach stone carbon for atrazine, excellent removal was observed in conditions close to the environment, always looking for a lower energy and time costs. The application by batch systems has been suggested as versatile for application in seasonal problems such as contamination in public water supply.