A Mesdaghinia, H Nourmoradi, F Vaezi, S Naseri, R Nabizadeh, M Ali Mohammadi, Sh Nazmara,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2008)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an oxygenated additive chemical added to gasoline, which is as a substitute for tetra ethyl lead, to reduce discharge of pollutants from automobile exhausts. This organic chemical is present in water samples collected from areas where gasoline wastes are abundant. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of MTBE removal from drinking water at the point of use (POU) by using an Iranian granulated active carbon (GAC) bed.
Materials and Methods: Adsorption of MTBE from drinking water at POU was studied by using an Iranian GAC bed. The water samples treated by this filter adsorber were prepared synthetically at two concentrations (50 ppb and 100 ppb). In addition, the effects of residual chlorine at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 mg/L and of chloroform at a concentration of 100 ppb on removal of MTBE were determined.
Results: It was found that this filter adsorber could treat 375 liters of water containing 50 ppb MTBE, 100 ppb chloroform and 0.2 ppm residual chorine. If the residual chlorine content was increased to 0.5 ppb, the volume of water treated would be 335 liters. The filter could t eat 195 liters of water containing 100 ppb MTBE, 100 ppb chloroform and 0.2 ppm residual chlorine to acceptable levels for drinking, provided the amount of MTBE is below the respective standard.
Conclusion: Both residual chlorine and chloroform reduced the MTBE adsorption capacity on GAC due to occupation of adsorption sites. In addition, to the tendency of GAC to adsorb chloroform and chlorine was greater than that of MTBE.
