Studies on evaluation and utilization of activated carbon. 5. Treatment of phenolic wastewater by simultaneous application of activated carbon and activated sludge.

The treatment of phenolic wastewater by simultaneous application of granular activated carbon and activated sludge [(AC+AS)Method] was investigated by comparing it to the conventional method using activated sludge alone (AS Method) and this Method followed by activated carbon [(AC after AS) Method].The (AC+AS) Method was found to be more effective for shorter operation periods than either the AS Method or (AC after AS) Method.The activated carbon once used could be regenerated by aerating in the copresence of activated sludge.The treatment efficacy or power of the (AC+AS) Method decreased appreciably for repeatedly used activated carbon only in the second run, but thereafter the decrease was very small.