AWWA ACE58231

Perchlorate (ClO4-) contaminates groundwater that could be used by approximately 15 million Americans (U.S. EPA 1999). The majority of perchlorate in the environment originated from its use as a propellant in rocket fuel (Gullick et al. 2001). As perchlorate has a limited shelf life, the rocket fuel was periodically washed from the rockets. This contaminated wash then made its way into the groundwater. Perchlorate is a concern to human health. At one time it was used to treat Graves disease; however, its use has been discontinued as perchlorate was linked to anemia and fetal brain damage. The primary health concern with perchlorate deals with the thyroid. Perchlorate will inhibit the uptake of iodide by the thyroid, leading to hypothyroidism (Li et al. 2001). To address the health concern presented by perchlorate, several states including California and Texas, have implemented state action levels for ClO4 - that range between 2 and 18 ppb. This research indicates that tailored granular activated carbon (GAC) can remove perchlorate for extended time. This tailoring consists of preloading the GAC with organic cations, and this process can increase the GAC bed life by 30 times. Includes 5 references, figures.