ASTM D3860-98 PDF

1.1 This practice covers the determination of the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon to remove undesirable constituents from water and waste water. It can be used to evaluate the adsorptive capacity of both virgin and reactivated granular activated carbons and powdered activated carbon.

1.2 This practice is not recommended for concentrations of volatile constituents that may be lost under the filter conditions of the procedure section. If volatile constituents are suspected, comparison of a vacuum filtered and unfiltered sample analysis shall be conducted.

1.3 This practice is recommended to determine the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon for the following applications, but is not limited to these applications:

1.3.1 Removal of color from dye mill waste water,

1.3.2 Removal of taste or odor constituents, or both, from potable waters,

1.3.3 Removal of toxicants from water,

1.3.4 Removal of surface active agents from water,

1.3.5 Removal of BOD5 from sanitary waste waters, and

1.3.6 Removal of TOC from industrial waste waters.

1.4 The following safety caveat applies to the procedure section of this practice: This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.