Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) System Performance Capabilities and Optimization

Performance tests were conducted to determine the capability of granular activated carbon (GAC) to adequately treat pink water (munitions wastewater) from Army ammunition plants (AAPs). Comparative isotherm tests were conducted with five GACs to recommend an optimized grade for pink water treatment and to study temperature and compositional effects. Target effluent criteria of 0.04 mg/L for trinitrotoluene (TNT), 0.03 mg/L for cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) or cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), and 0.0007 mg/L fo9r 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) were achieved in the isotherm tests. Pilot scale multiple column tests were conducted at Iowa AAP to determine GAC capabilities under typical operating conditions. The effluent criteria were generally met for RDX, HMX, and 2,4-DNT but not for TNT.