Efficiency assessment of permeable reactive barriers for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) remediation in groundwater using novel adsorbents: Aerogel, sillimanite, andalusite, and tourmaline - Insights from batch and column studies

Abstract

In recent decades, groundwater pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental concern, with particular attention directed towards the prevalence of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE), a hydrocarbon compound originating from leaks in underground storage tanks and the widespread use of MTBE-infused gasoline. This study evaluates the efficacy of the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) method employing four novel adsorbents - Aerogel, Sillimanite, Andalusite, and Tourmaline - for MTBE removal from groundwater. A series of batch and column experiments were conducted to investigate the adsorption capabilities of these materials. Batch experiments revealed promising adsorption capacities of 6.25, 5.8, 4.9, and 5.1 mgMTBE/gadsorbent for aerogel, sillimanite, andalusite, and tourmaline, respectively, reaching equilibrium within 120, 240, 240, and 240 minutes, respectively. Subsequently, column studies were undertaken to analyze MTBE removal using a laboratory-scale pilot. Maximum adsorption capacities of 13.4, 4.2, 2.24, and 3.72 mgMTBE/gadsorbent were observed for aerogel, sillimanite, andalusite, and tourmaline, respectively, with corresponding bed lives of 160, 290, 107, and 224 minutes. These findings underscore the potential of the PRB method utilizing innovative adsorbents for effective MTBE remediation in groundwater systems, offering environmentally-friendly solutions and paving the way for sustainable water management practices.

Keywords

• Aerogel
• Sillimanite
• Andalusite
• Tourmaline
• Permeable reactive barrier
• MTBE removal