Industrial By-product Characterization for Phosphorus Removal in Environmental Contaminant Filters

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to characterize industrial by-products for chemical properties and phosphorus sorption characteristics for potential use in environmental contaminant filters. Laboratory experiments were conducted on various by-products to examine the chemical composition of the materials. Twelve materials ranging from fly-ash to drinking water treatment residuals to acid mine drainage residuals were selected for flow-through analysis where five different flow rates and phosphorus concentrations were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the materials in a flow-through setting. Information was also provided on how to properly construct a contaminant filter. Industrial by-product chemical characteristics that were found to be important for phosphorus sorption were pH and high quantities of calcium, iron, and aluminum. Flow-through data also helped produce an empirical model that can help predict the performance of a by-product in an environmental contaminant filter. The model also provides information on how much material will be needed in a filter to allow for proper construction. A filter must be built to accommodate the site location and material used in order to maximize efficiency.