Removal of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons from primary aluminum air pollution control scrubber wastewater

A pilot-scale study was conducted at a primary aluminum plant to evaluate the removal of benzo(a)pyrene and other polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) from potline scrubber wastewater. Specific objectives included determining the need for granular activated carbon to remove the PAH's to 10 micrograms/l and evaluating the use of benzo(a)pyrene as an indicator for the removal of all PAH's.