The paper presents the results of laboratory tests concerning the possibility of utilizing activated carbons produced in Poland, as well as of non-conventional adsorbents, such as modified Clarion clay and clinoptylolite, for removing methylene blue from water. The objective of tests carried out was a quantitative formulation of the adsorption process, as well as the determination of the effects of various factors on its course. The attempt was taken to solve the tasks defined in the objective of the study using model experimental systems. The methylene blue solution in concentration 20 mg/dm', prepared on the basis of distilled water, was used as adsorbate. Adsorption processes, conducted in batch mode (in no-flow conditions), were best described by the Freundlich isotherms. On the basis of the isotherms the adsorptive capacity of tested adsorbents was calculated. The throughflow conditions were realized by a columnar filtration method. On the basis of obtained results the breakthrough curves (isoplanes) were plotted. The adsorptive capacities, determined on the basis of isoplanes reached 27--41 mg/g, 14.89 mg/g and 5.54 mg/g for activated carbons, modified Clarion clay and clinoptylolite, respectively. Exit curves (isoplanes) served for defining the mass transfer zone (the adsorption front height), a., well as for calculating the mass-exchange-zone moving rate. Despite their inferior adsorptive characteristics the modified Clarion clay and clinoptylolite may be taken into account as shielding materials in relation to activated carbons.

The objective of the research presented in the paper was to study the process of adsorption of oil impurities with the use of clinoptylolite and diatomite. The effect of various factors on process course was determined, the process was described with isotherms and the adsorptive capacities of tested minerals were determined on their basis.

The article presents research results of the introduction of powdery activated carbon to the existing technological system of the groundwater treatment stations in a laboratory, pilot plant and technical scale. The aim of the research was to reduce the content of organic compounds found in the treated water, which create toxic organic chlorine compounds (THM) after disinfection with chlorine. Nine types of powdery active carbons were tested in laboratory scale. The top two were selected for further study. Pilot plant scale research was carried out for the filter model using CWZ-30 and Norit Sa Super carbon. Reduction of the organic matter in relation to the existing content in the treated water reached about 30%. Research in technical scale using CWZ-30 carbon showed a lesser efficiency with respect to laboratory and pilot-plant scale studies. The organic matter decreased by 15%. Since filtration is the last process before the individual disinfection, an alternative solution is proposed, i.e. the second stage of filtration with a granular activated carbon bed, operating in combined sorption and biodegradation processes. The results of tests carried out in pilot scale were fully satisfactory with the effectiveness of 70–100%.