The present study tests the potentiality of a novel microwave based regenerating permeable reactive barrier (MW-PRB) system as combined treatment for Cs-contaminated groundwater. Granular activated carbon (GAC) was selected as adsorptive materials in batch and column MW-regeneration experiments. Experimental and modeling data were elaborated for technical and economic considerations in order to assess the MW-PRB feasibility jointly with essential information regarding its real field applicability. Batch experiments investigated the effects of 10 adsorption-MW regeneration cycles under different MW irradiation conditions (applied electric field = 200–460 V m−1; irradiation times = 1–15 min) by assessing GAC variation properties in term of regeneration yield (δ), specific area and weight loss (WL) variation. Column tests were carried using a dedicated setup essentially including a column filled with GAC implanted in a MW oven cavity (MW electric field of 385 V m−1, irradiation times 5–15 min). Lab-scale results shown the ability of MW in Cs removal from GAC as demonstrated by regeneration yield (δ = 79–110%) and WL (6.78% for 10 cycles) values. This was confirmed in dynamic conditions by data from MW-column tests highlighting the highest Cs removal of ~80% when the maximum regeneration time was applied. Residual Cs concentration in breakthrough curves fitted well with the proposed Yoon and Nelson model (R2 = ~0.97). Results from techno-economic analysis revealed the MW-PRB viability and its advantages also in comparison with conventional PRB systems, demonstrating the concept of combined MW-PRB treatment. Saved cost obtained demonstrated in fact the potential cost effectiveness of MW-PRB system and, consequently, the implementation of novel approach is encouraged. Calculated PRB longevity vs groundwater velocity curves are useful in order to predict long-term PRB performance and the response of the remediation activities, as well as for guiding the design and the scaling-up of MW-PRB treatment.

Field technical applicability and cost analysis for microwave based regenerating permeable reactive barriers (MW-PRBs) operating in Cs-contaminated groundwater treatment

Falciglia P. P.;Gagliano E.;De Guidi G.;Romano S.;Roccaro P.
;
Vagliasindi F. G. A.
2020-01-01

Abstract

The present study tests the potentiality of a novel microwave based regenerating permeable reactive barrier (MW-PRB) system as combined treatment for Cs-contaminated groundwater. Granular activated carbon (GAC) was selected as adsorptive materials in batch and column MW-regeneration experiments. Experimental and modeling data were elaborated for technical and economic considerations in order to assess the MW-PRB feasibility jointly with essential information regarding its real field applicability. Batch experiments investigated the effects of 10 adsorption-MW regeneration cycles under different MW irradiation conditions (applied electric field = 200–460 V m−1; irradiation times = 1–15 min) by assessing GAC variation properties in term of regeneration yield (δ), specific area and weight loss (WL) variation. Column tests were carried using a dedicated setup essentially including a column filled with GAC implanted in a MW oven cavity (MW electric field of 385 V m−1, irradiation times 5–15 min). Lab-scale results shown the ability of MW in Cs removal from GAC as demonstrated by regeneration yield (δ = 79–110%) and WL (6.78% for 10 cycles) values. This was confirmed in dynamic conditions by data from MW-column tests highlighting the highest Cs removal of ~80% when the maximum regeneration time was applied. Residual Cs concentration in breakthrough curves fitted well with the proposed Yoon and Nelson model (R2 = ~0.97). Results from techno-economic analysis revealed the MW-PRB viability and its advantages also in comparison with conventional PRB systems, demonstrating the concept of combined MW-PRB treatment. Saved cost obtained demonstrated in fact the potential cost effectiveness of MW-PRB system and, consequently, the implementation of novel approach is encouraged. Calculated PRB longevity vs groundwater velocity curves are useful in order to predict long-term PRB performance and the response of the remediation activities, as well as for guiding the design and the scaling-up of MW-PRB treatment.
2020
Cesium; Cost analysis; Granular activated carbon; Groundwater contamination; Microwave regeneration; Permeable reactive barrier
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/380608
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