Evaluation of Aerogel in Permeable Reactive Barrier to Remove MTBE from Aqeous Solution

Abstract

MTBE is one of the most common hydrocarbon compounds in crude oil that leaks into groundwater through reservoir leaks. The use of MTBE in gasoline compounds has increased significantly and has caused groundwater pollution. In this study, the permeable reactive barrier technology was used to remove MTBE from aqueous solution. In this study, aerogels were used as adsorbents in permeable reactive barrier to remove MTBE from aqueous solution. SEM, BET, XRF and solid addition methods were used to determine the adsorbent properties. In experiments under batch conditions the effect of contact time, pH, adsorption isotherm and adsorption kinetics were investigated. Continuous experiments were studied for determination of bed life and adsorbent performance in PRB. The capacity of this adsorbent was obtained in batch experiments, 6.25 mg/g Aerogel. The equilibrium time in batch experiments was about 60 min and the optimum pH was about 6. In the adsorption isotherm studies, the Freundlich model and in the kinetic studies, the pseudo-second-order model had the best fit with the data. In this study, the PRB was evaluated by continuous tests. The aerogel adsorbent had an adsorption capacity of 13.4 mg/g Aerogel (bed depth of adsorbent was 6 cm). Also, the PRB bed life was calculated and determined. The use of Aerogel in PRB was evaluated as an effective agent in MTBE removal.

Keywords

• mtbe contaminant
• aerogel
• prb
• permeable reactive barrier