Intermediate · 7 min
Adsorption and filtration: select by contaminant
The treatment mechanism must match the target contaminant. Particle filtration does not guarantee removal of dissolved compounds.
Identify the target
Specify particles, ions or dissolved molecules. Seek evidence matching your medium, pH and concentrations.
Design a test
Compare a blank and treated sample using a suitable analytical method. For batch adsorption use q = (C₀ − Cₑ)V/m with consistent units.
Prepare the pilot
Batch tests do not predict column lifetime. Investigate flow, breakthrough, solute competition and spent-material handling.
Practical example
Exercise: C₀ = 20 mg/L, Cₑ = 5 mg/L, V = 0.1 L and m = 0.05 g give q = 30 mg/g, an apparent capacity under these test conditions.
References
US EPA — Drinking Water Treatability Database
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