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D3860-98 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D3860-98 (Reapproved 2020), officially the Standard Practice for Determination of Adsorptive Capacity of Activated Carbon by Aqueous Phase Isotherm Technique, establishes a standardized methodology for evaluating the performance of both granular and powdered activated carbons in removing soluble contaminants from water and wastewater. This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D28 on Activated Carbon.
🧪 Scope and Key Applications
This practice covers the determination of the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon to remove undesirable constituents from water and waste water. It can be used to evaluate the adsorptive capacity of activated or reactivated carbon for the following applications, but is not limited to these:
| 🟦 Application | 🎯 Target Constituent | ⚡ Example Source |
|---|---|---|
| Color Removal | Dyes | Dye mill waste water |
| Organoleptic Control | Taste and/or Odor | Potable waters |
| Detoxification | Toxicants | Water |
| Foaming Control | Surface-active agents | Water |
| Organic Loading | BOD5 | Sanitary waste waters |
| Total Carbon Removal | TOC | Industrial waste waters |
⚠️ Precautionary Note: This practice is not recommended unless special precautions are taken to reduce loss during sample preparation and analysis. Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices prior to use.
⚙️ Test Procedure and Isotherm Methodology
The procedure involves contacting an aqueous solution containing the adsorbable constituents with a specified particle size of activated carbon. The amount of constituent removed is determined experimentally. The data is then plotted to create a Freundlich isotherm, from which the adsorptive capacity is calculated. The standard specifies that carbon particle size must be tightly controlled to ensure uniform test conditions for both granular and powdered types.
💡 Parameter Guidance: The practice is generally performed at 20 °C; however, other temperatures may be used and must be noted. Sample weights of activated carbon may have to be critically adjusted depending on the concentration of adsorbable constituents in the water.
📊 Referenced Standards and Terminology
ASTM D3860-98 relies on several companion standards for consistent terminology and execution:
| 📏 Referenced Standard | 📐 Purpose in Practice |
|---|---|
| D2652 | Terminology Relating to Activated Carbon |
| D1129 | Terminology Relating to Water |
| D1193 | Specification for Reagent Water |
| D2867 | Test Methods for Moisture in Activated Carbon |
| D3370 | Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process Streams |
| E300 | Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the specific purpose of ASTM D3860-98?
It provides a standard practice for determining the adsorptive capacity of activated (or reactivated) carbon for removing constituents from aqueous solutions using the isotherm technique.