A multi-component model for granular activated carbon filters combining biofilm and adsorption kinetics.

Along with the rise of biological active granular activated carbon (bGAC) filtration as advanced treatment technology for wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents, the mathematical representation of such systems is gaining increasing importance. This work introduces a model that describes the performance of bGAC-filters for Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) removal from a WWTP effluent. The DOC removal within bGAC-filters is accomplished by two mechanisms: adsorptive removal and biological transformation.