Modeling of pollutant removal by powdered activated carbon in a raw water aqueduct

•A mathematical model to describe PAC-pollutant dynamics was developed.•PIV, rotating flume and lab jar tests were employed to determine the model parameters.•The model was validated using the onsite and flume experiments.•Various PAC feeding strategies as emergency response have been assessed.

This study provides new parameters for the use of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in a raw water aqueduct under emergency response. Here, we developed a coupled model that dynamically predicts simultaneous PAC transport and pollutant removal in the water aqueduct. To calibrate the model, we have performed a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) settling experiment to determine the dynamic settling velocity, PAC deposition experiments in a rotating flume to quantify the bottom shearing effects, and jar tests to determine the dynamic pollutant adsorption rate. The model was validated against a field chemical oxygen demand experiment in a water aqueduct in Shanghai (China) and a laboratory nitrobenzene flume test. Then, given a certain pollution concentration arising from an accidental pollution event, the model could be used to predict the optimal flow rate and PAC dosage for the establishment of mitigation measures.