Removal of alcohol ethoxylates from real industrial wastewater using ozonation catalyzed by activated carbon

The wastewater containing alcohol ethoxylates (AEs) from the processing of Orimulsion was treated by ozonation with the presence of activated carbon (AC) in a laboratory-scale reactor. Effect of some operating parameters, such as the AC amount, initial pH, and the ozonized-air flowrate, on the COD removal were investigated. The results show that the application of catalytic ozonation of AC can significantly improve the efficiency of COD removal in the system, and granular AC (GAC) was more efficient than activated carbon fiber (ACF) due probably to their different pore structure and surface properties. The enhanced ozone utilization efficiency at the presence of AC provides the evidence of the catalysis of AC in the ozonation process. The repeated use indicated that GAC could be well regenerated in situ and maintain its high catalytic activity, which was considered advantageous in the industrial applications.