AWWA JAW10334

In this investigation batch adsorption experiments were conducted by using polyethylene, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane foam as adsorbent materials. Granular activated carbon was included in the study for the purpose of comparison. The organic compounds used were members of a homologous series that consisted of methylene chloride, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. Adsorption tests were conducted at three solution concentrations, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/L. The adsorptive capacity of each material was evaluated by using both the Freundlich and the Langmuir adsorption models. Results reveal that the order of adsorptive capacity from the most adsorbent to the least, on a weight basis, is as follows: GAC; polyurethane foam; polyvinyl chloride; neoprene; and polyethylene. Polyurethane foam and polyvinyl chloride were nearly equal in adsorptive capacity. (Abstract also appears in Spanish) Includes 15 references, table, figures.