Anaerobic activated carbon filter for the degradation of polycyclic N-aromatic compounds

The purpose of this study was to investigate the fate of three polycyclic N-aromatic compounds (indole, quinoline, and methylquinoline) in granular activated carbon (GAC) anaerobic filters in coal gasification wastewater treatment. A synthetically prepared polycyclic N-aromatics-bearing wastewater was treated effectively by a completely mixed, expanded-bed GAC anaerobic filter. The data demonstrate the potential usefulness of the GAC anaerobic filter in treating wastewaters with adsorbable-refractory and inhibitory compounds. Continuous and undisturbed treatment of such wastewaters with the GAC anaerobic filter is possible if a partial GAC replacement schedule is established. Such a schedule should be designed to maintain the effluent concentration of the toxic constituents below a certain threshold.