Preparation of Composite Adsorbents by Activation of Water Plant Sludge and Phenolic Resin Mixtures

Composite adsorbents were prepared by mixing water plant sludge with phenolic resin having the ratio of 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 3 respectively, curing from $100^{\circ}C$ to $170^{\circ}C$ under $N_2$ atmosphere, and then activating with $N_2$ at $700^{\circ}C$. Thermal property, specific surface area and morphology of the composite adsorbents as well as their precursors were measured by TGA, BET and SEM respectively. Removal efficiency of the composite adsorbents to ${NH_4}^+$ and TOC was compared with those of commercial zeolite and activated carbon. The adsorbents presented very promising TOC removal efficiency of 98%, which was identical level to that of commercial activated carbon while they displayed removal efficiency, only 32%, of ${NH_4}^+$. Therefore, this composite adsorbent considered as the alternative material of commercial activated carbon, used as an expensive removal agent of organic substances and THM in water treatment plant and it also suggested a possibility of practical application in other processes.