Influence of pore structure on biologically activated carbon performance and biofilm microbial characteristics

Optimizing the characteristics of granular activated carbon (GAC) can improve performance biologically (BAC) filters, and iodine value has always been principal index for GAC selection. However, in this study, among three types treating same humic acid-contaminated water, one had an 35% lower than other two, but dissolved organic removal efficiency its BAC was less 5% away from others. Iodine found to influence different fractions instead total efficiency. Based on biological characteristics, two possible mechanisms matter during steady-state were suggested. For with poor micropore volume value, high molecular weight substances (3500–9000 Da) removed mainly through degradation by microorganisms, biodegraded organics (soluble microbial by-products, < 3500 released because low adsorption capacity carbon. higher (< more easily removed, first being adsorbed micropores then biofilm. The biomass determined pore diameters greater 100 µm, did not correspond Nevertheless, community structure coordinate both characteristics. findings provide a theoretical basis selecting process based structure.