The removal of trace anionic organic acids with carboxylic functional groups,
such as pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), by anion exchange resins
was found to be the sum of the physical adsorption of the molecule plus the ion
exchange (IX) of the ion. The performance can be modeled by applying existing
IX and adsorption equilibrium theories. For example, at a pH above 7, diclofenac
(DCF, pKa 4.2) is completely dissociated and physical adsorption as well as ion
exchange play a role in removing the ionized DCF, that is, the ionized target
compounds can be adsorbed or ion exchanged by anionic resins. Removal of
ibuprofen (IBP) and diclofenac (DCF) were evaluated at environmentally relevant
concentrations (< 100 ng/L) and at higher concentrations (> 10 mg/L). These
target compounds were selected for this work because they can be used as
surrogates for trace anionic organic compounds in water. The overall objective
was to develop combined adsorption and ion exchange models and to evaluate
the relation between the resin dose needed and the removal of trace anionic
organic compounds in the presence of competing anionic organic compounds
present in natural organic matter (NOM)/effluent organic matter (EfOM) and
inorganic compounds (e.g. sulfate) from wastewater impacted drinking water
sources. Includes table, figures.