The reduction of 2- and 3-ring PAHs entering to the surface waters in the integrated processes

The aim of the study was to determine the removal of 2- and 3-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during oxidation process and during simultaneous oxidation and adsorption processes. Technological research was conducted with the use of biologically treated industrial wastewater. Oxidation was carried out with dihydrogen peroxide. The adsorption process was carried out onto activated carbon. Quantitative and qualitative determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was conducted using gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer system. The experiments were conducted under constant pH as well asunder the constant temperature. The oxidation efficiency of the analyzed hydrocarbons under oxidation conditions ranged from 14 to 81%. During the simultaneous oxidation process and adsorption on activated carbon, the PAHs removal ranged from 43 to 100%. The results lead to the conclusions that simultaneous oxidation and adsorption can be successfully apply in the final treatment of industrial wastewater resulting in the minimizing PAHs load entering to the surface waters