Deterioration of water quality by benzene contamination and remediation by adsorption technique

Abstract

Benzene (colorless liquid) is an additive for petrol to increase the octane number however due to its combustion as fuel in vehicles; the ambient air quality gets deteriorated consequently contaminating the groundwater. It is released by industrial discharge as both treated and untreated, accidental spills during the transport of chemical products in marine and natural resources. It is considered as a carcinogenic substance and available highly in industries and products. The present research work has quantified the concentration and remediation of benzene in commercial, residential and surface water bodies of Madurai District. Samples were collected during the period of Pre monsoon, Monsoon and post monsoon in the months of August 2015, December 2015 and April 2016 respectively to know the benzene dispersion. The pH and TDS parameters checked in all samples. The alkaline and TDS indicates the presence of hydrocarbon in the sample. A significant variation has been predicted in the level of benzene during the process 2011-2012 and 2015-2016. Most of these samples were found to exceed the prescribed level of benzene recommended by WHO (World Health Organization), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment). The cancer risk analysis among children at corporate locations were seven folds higher compared to the risk of adults. This study shows the effective removal of benzene contamination by Adsorption Process. The adsorbent was prepared and the removal study carried out by adjusting the temperature and height of the column through the Combined Column Technique. Benzene concentrations of 5.56mg/L, 3.1mg/L and 1.28 mg/L from different sources of water were taken for the study newline