Impact of UV–H(2)O(2) Advanced Oxidation and Aging Processes on GAC Capacity for the Removal of Cyanobacterial Taste and Odor Compounds

Cyanobacteria and their taste and odor (T&O) compounds are a growing concern in water sources globally. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) are the most commonly detected T&O compounds associated with cyanobacterial presence in drinking water sources. The use of ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) as an advanced oxidation treatment for T&O control is an emerging technology. However, residual H(2)O(2) (>80% of the initial dose) has to be removed from water prior final disinfection. Recently, granular activated carbon (GAC) is used to remove H(2)O(2) residual. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of H(2)O(2) quenching and aging processes on GAC capacity for the removal of geosmin and MIB. Pilot columns with different types of GAC and presence/absence of H(2)O(2) have been used for this study. H(2)O(2) removal for the operational period of 6 months has no significant impact on GAC capacity to remove the geosmin and MIB from water.