有机碳源条件下厌氧氨氧化SBBR中的微生物多样性

研究有机碳源对SBBR厌氧氨氧化菌群等微生物的影响。采用16S rDNA序列与PCR-DGGE分析技术相结合的方法,对稳定运行的反应器内的活性污泥和生物膜样品,进行细菌多样性图谱分析,同时采用巢式PCR-DGGE技术对浮霉状菌属(Planctomycetes)细菌进行分析。结果表明,在有机碳源反应系统细菌条带数和多样性指数均高于无机系统,与活性污泥相比,生物膜表尤为明显。当进水不含有机碳源时,氨氧化细菌(ammonia oxidizing bacteria,AOB),厌氧氨氧化菌(anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacteria,ANAMMOX)为优势功能菌;当进水含有机碳源时,系统中存在的AOB以亚硝化单胞菌(Nitrosomonas sp.)为优势菌群,同时存在反硝化菌,如索氏菌(Thauera sp.)以及厌氧氨氧化菌,它们共同作用完成N的去除。此外,与无机碳源系统相比,有机碳源的存在,有利于浮霉状菌的积累,但压缩了ANAMMOX的生存空间。本研究可为厌氧氨氧化工艺处理低C/N比有机废水提供了理论依据。     

Relationships between organic matter, black carbon and persistent organic pollutants in European background soils: Implications for sources and environmental fate

Black carbon (BC) and total organic carbon (TOC) contents of UK and Norwegian background soils were determined and their relationships with persistent organic pollutants (HCB, PAHs, PCBs, co-planar PCBs, PBDEs and PCDD/Fs) investigated by correlation and regression analyses, to assess their roles in influencing compound partitioning/retention in soils. The 52 soils used were high in TOC (range 54-460 mg/g (mean 256)), while BC only constituted 0.24-1.8% (0.88%) of the TOC. TOC was strongly correlated (p < 0.001) with HCB, PCBs, co-PCBs and PBDEs, but less so with PCDD/Fs (p < 0.05) and PAHs. TOC explained variability in soil content, as follows: HCB, 80%; PCBs, 44%; co-PCBs, 40%; PBDEs, 27%. BC also gave statistically significant correlations with PBDEs (p < 0.001), co-PCBs (p < 0.01) and PCBs, HCB, PCDD/F (p < 0.05); TOC and BC were correlated with each other (p < 0.01). Inferences are made about possible combustion-derived sources, atmospheric transport and air-surface exchange processes for these compounds.     

Enhancement of chemical-oxygen demand and color removal of distillery spent-wash by ozonation.

Distillery spent-wash has very high organic content (75,000 to 125,000 mg/L chemical-oxygen demand [COD]), color, and contains difficult-to-biodegrade organic compounds. For example, anaerobic treatment of the distillery spent-wash used in this study resulted in 60% COD reduction and low color removal. Subsequent aerobic treatment of the anaerobic effluent resulted in enhancement of COD removal to 66%. In this paper, the effect of ozonation on various properties of the anaerobically treated distillery effluent, including the effect on its subsequent aerobic biodegradation, was investigated. Ozonation of the anaerobically treated distillery effluent at various ozone doses resulted in the reduction of total-organic carbon (TOC), COD, COD/TOC ratio, absorbance, color, and increase in the biochemical-oxygen demand (BOD)/COD ratio of the effluent. Further, ozonation of the anaerobically treated distillery effluent at an ozone dose of 2.08 mg/mg initial TOC and subsequent aerobic biodegradation resulted in 87.4% COD removal, as compared to 66% removal when ozonation was not used.     

碳源类型及进水量分配对CMICAO工艺脱氮除磷的影响

研究了分别以葡萄糖和乙酸钠为碳源时多点交替进水阶式A2/O(CMICAO)工艺氮磷的去除效果,以及在不同进水C/N比时各进水量分配对脱氮除磷效果的影响.结果表明,在相同的进水COD浓度下,乙酸钠比葡萄糖更适合作为碳源,更能提高脱氮除磷效率.以葡萄糖为碳源时,COD为200 mg/L、C/N比为5、缺氧池与厌氧池进水配比为1∶2时,出水COD、TN、氨氮和TP浓度分别为28.5、10.8、2.1和0.5 mg/L,均达到国家一级A排放标准.若采用葡萄糖作为碳源,投加量以使进水C/N比为5～7.5为宜,外加碳源时缺氧池与厌氧池进水分配比可统一采用1∶1.     

青岛市餐厨垃圾与菜市场垃圾混合高温厌氧消化研究

在中试规模下,研究青岛市餐厨垃圾与菜市场垃圾混合(质量比1∶1)高温厌氧消化实验,通过监测厌氧消化过程中产气量、气体组成等产气情况和消化液中pH值、SCOD、NH3-H、VFAs含量和组分等化学指标变化,确定混合厌氧消化的最大有机负荷,并分析混合高温厌氧消化技术的可行性,结果表明,(1)青岛市餐厨垃圾与菜市场垃圾混合高温厌氧消化产甲烷具有技术可行性;(2)混合厌氧消化的最大有机负荷可达4.069 kg VS/(m3.d);(3)当系统最大有机负荷时,每天每千克VS最高可产生甲烷量0.346 m3;(4)混合厌氧消化可削减氨氮对餐厨垃圾单独厌氧消化产沼气的影响。     

The effect of oxygen on chemical dechlorination of dieldrin using iron sulphides

The degradation of dieldrin by ferric sulphide (FeS₂) in aqueous solution was investigated when shielded against sunlight. An oxidative dechlorination process was observed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions; oxygen volume changed the degradation rate of dieldrin and the generation rate of reaction products. The dechlorination rate under microaerophilic conditions was fastest among the anaerobic to air oxygen concentrations. For this experiment, over 99% of the dieldrin was degraded, and 90% of the released chloride was detected after 30 d under 10 μmol oxygen. The major reaction products were different depending on the dose of oxygen. In the case of aerobic conditions, low molecular weight organic acids, such as formic acid, lactic acid, and oxalic acid, were generated as major reaction products. However, under anaerobic conditions, C₁₆H₂₂O₄ (dibutyl phthalate) and C₆H₁₃ClO (3-chloro-4-methyl-2-pentanol) were detected as reaction intermediates, and small amounts of succinic acid, malonic acid, and formic acid were also generated. These reactions proceed by FeS₂ interface reactions with H₂O under anaerobic condition, or O₂ under aerobic condition.     

Is black carbon a better predictor of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution in soils than total organic carbon?

Black carbon (BC) and total organic carbon (TOC) were quantified in the surface soils of Switzerland (N = 105) and Delhi (N = 36), India, to examine their relationships with contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). BC content in Swiss (background) soils (N = 104) varied from 0.41 to 4.75 mg/g (median: 1.13 mg/g) and constituted 1-9% (median: 3%) of TOC. Indian (urban) soils had similar BC concentrations (0.37-2.05 mg/g, median: 1.19 mg/g), with relatively higher BC/TOC (6-23%, median: 13%). Similar to TOC, BC showed significant positive correlation with lighter PAH, but no correlation with heavier PAH in Swiss soils. In contrast, heavier PAH were significantly correlated only with BC in Delhi soils. It seems that TOC governs the distribution of PAH in organic matter rich background soils, while the proximity to emission sources is reflected by BC-PAH association in urban soils.     

Structure-related distribution of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and HCB in a river-sea system

Water concentrations of PCDD/Fs, HCB, and non-ortho, mono-ortho, and non-dioxin-like PCBs were measured four times during 1 year in a coastal area of the Baltic Sea, to investigate background levels and distribution behaviour. Sampling sites included two rivers, an estuary, and the sea. Particulate and apparently dissolved concentrations were determined using active sampling (filters + PUFs), while freely dissolved concentrations were determined using passive sampling (POM-samplers). The distribution between particulate + colloidal and freely dissolved phases, in the form of TOC-normalized distribution ratios (K_TOC), was found to be near or at equilibrium. The observed K_TOC were not significantly different between sampling sites or seasons. For PCDD/Fs, the concentrations were significantly correlated to suspended particulate matter (SPM), while no correlation to organic carbon (TOC) was observed. In the estuary and the sea, PCB concentrations were correlated to TOC. The sorption of various congeners to SPM and TOC appeared to be related to both hydrophobicity and 3D-structure. The PCDD/F concentration in the sea decreased to one third in May, likely connected to the increased vertical flux of particles during the spring bloom.     

碳氮磷比例失调城市污水的同步脱氮除磷

为解决现行同步脱氮除磷工艺处理南方地区碳、氮、磷比例失调城市污水中,因C/N、C/P偏低,碳源不足而降低脱氮除磷效率的难题,试验以碳源偏低的广州市城市污水为研究对象,采用厌氧/好氧交替运行的SBR系统,通过对厌氧、好氧时段的合理调控,在无需额外添加碳源的条件下,有机物、氨氮、总氮和总磷的平均去除率分别可达90%、72%、41%和99%,不仅能使有机物和氮的出水指标达到国家排放标准,而且总磷出水浓度能达0.5 mg/L以下。通过进一步分析同步高效脱氮除磷的影响因素和控制条件,得出合理污泥龄的控制是实现同步脱氮除磷的关键,厌氧/好氧交替运行的方式不仅强化了磷的释放和吸收,而且降低了碳源偏低和硝酸盐对同步脱氮除磷影响的结论。     

Denitrification using PBS as carbon source and biofilm support in a packed-bed bioreactor

Biodegradable polymer was used as carbon source and biofilm support for nitrate removal from aqueous solution as an attractive alternative for biological denitrification. The objective of this paper was to investigate the denitrification performance and microbial community of a packed-bed bioreactor using poly (butanediol succinate) (PBS), a biodegradable polymer, as carbon source and biofilm support. NO₃–N concentration was determined by UV spectrophotometer. NO₂–N concentration was assayed by hydrochloric acid naphthyl ethylenediamine spectrophotometry method. Total organic carbon (TOC) was measured using a TOC analyzer. The morphology of the samples was observed using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The microbial community was analyzed by pyrosequencing method. The experimental results showed that an average removal efficiency of nitrate was 95 %. ESEM observation and FTIR analysis indicated the changes of PBS granules before and after microbial utilization. Pyrosequencing results showed that Betaproteobacteria predominated, and most of PBS-degrading denitrifying bacteria were assigned to the family Comamonadaceae. Denitrifying bacteria accounted for 13.02 % in total population. The PBS granules were suitable support and carbon source for denitrifying bacteria.     

Halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) in sediment from a highly eutrophicated lake, China: Occurrence, distribution and mass inventories

Halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) including 16 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 37 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 49 surfacial sediments from Chaohu Lake, a highly eutrophicated lake, China. PBDEs were detected in almost samples with the range of the total concentration (defined as Σ₁₆PBDEs) from 0.84 to 86.6 ng g⁻¹. Compared with the occurrence of PBDEs in Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta in China, lower percentage of BDE-209 over the concentration of Σ₁₆PBDEs was inferred by the high-volume application of penta-BDE mixture product for local domestic furniture purpose. The total concentration of 37 PCBs (Σ₃₇PCBs) ranged from 0.05 to 3.36 ng g⁻¹ with the most detection of PCB-1, -4, -52 and -71. Both the concentrations of Σ₁₆PBDE and Σ₃₇PCB poorly correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), suggesting the significant contribution of phytoplankton organic carbons to sediment TOC. The contamination by PBDEs and PCBs in western region of the lake was significantly more serious than in eastern lake. Our findings about the higher residues of PBDEs and PCBs in sediments at the estuary of Nanfei River compared to the other estuaries also supported the conclusion that urban area (Hefei city) was the main source of PBDEs and PCBs. The comparison with the concentration of HOC in the present study with those in other lacustrine sediments around the world suggested the contamination by PBDEs in Chaohu Lake is at middle of the global concentration range, whereas PCBs is at low end of the global range which could be elucidated by local economic development and historical usage of PBDEs and PCBs. The mass inventories of HOCs in the lake were estimated at 561 and 38 kg, which corresponds to only 0.000006% and 0.0001% of these global historical produce volumes, respectively.     

Sorption of atrazine and phenanthrene by organic matter fractions in soil and sediment

Atrazine and phenanthrene (Phen) sorption by nonhydrolyzable carbon (NHC), black carbon (BC), humic acid (HA) and whole sediment and soil samples was examined. Atrazine sorption isotherms were nearly linear. The single-point organic carbon (OC)-normalized distribution coefficients (K_OC) of atrazine for the isolated HA1, NHC1 and BC1 from sediment 1 (ST1) were 36, 550, and 1470 times greater than that of ST1, respectively, indicating the importance of sediment organic matter, particularly the condensed fractions (NHC and BC). Similar sorption capacity of atrazine and Phen by NHC but different isotherm nonlinearity indicated different sorption domains due to their different structure and hydrophobicity. The positive relationship between (O + N)/C ratios of NHC and atrazine log K_OC at low concentration suggests H-bonding interactions. This study shows that sediment is probably a less effective sorbent for atrazine than Phen, implying that atrazine applied in sediments or soils may be likely to leach into groundwater.     

Characterization of carbonaceous species in PM2.5 in Xi'an during spring

The characterization of carbonaceous species in PM_2.5 during a spring period in a suburb of Xi'an, China was investigated. PM_2.5 samples were collected on quartz filters and analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC). The thermal optical reflectance method was used. The minimum OC/EC ratio method was used to estimate the concentration of secondary organic carbon (SOC). The distribution of eight carbon fractions was investigated as well. The average mass concentrations of OC and EC were 15.90 and 8.38 μg/m³, respectively. The average OC/EC ratio ranged from 1.16 to 3.16 with an average value of 2.25. This implies the existence of SOC in PM_2.5. The mean SOC concentration was 7.20 μg/m³, accounting for 45.28% of total OC. This result suggests that SOC is a significant component of OC in the suburb of Xi'an. Results from the distribution of eight carbon fractions revealed that emissions from motor vehicle, coal combustion, and road dust were the main source of carbonaceous particles in the sampling period.     

Degradation of paracetamol by advance oxidation processes using modified reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes with TiO2 and CuO/TiO2/Al2O3

The degradation of paracetamol in aqueous solutions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was carried out by photochemistry, electrolysis and photoelectrolysis using modified 100 pores per inch reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes. The electrodes were coated with catalysts such as TiO₂ and CuO/TiO₂/Al₂O₃ by electrophoresis followed by heat treatment. The results of the electrolysis with bare reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes show that 90% paracetamol degradation occurs in 4 h at 1.3 V vs. SCE, forming intermediates such as benzoquinone and carboxylic acids followed by their complete mineralisation. When the electrolysis was carried out with the modified electrodes such as TiO₂/RVC, 90% degradation was achieved in 2 h while with CuO/TiO₂/Al₂O₃/RVC, 98% degradation took only 1 h. The degradation was also carried out in the presence of UV reaching 95% degradation with TiO₂/RVC/UV and 99% with CuO/TiO₂/Al₂O₃/RVC/UV in 1 h. The reactions were followed by spectroscopy UV-Vis, HPLC and total organic carbon analysis. These studies show that the degradation of paracetamol follows a pseudo-first order reaction kinetics.     

Vermicomposting as an advanced biological treatment for industrial waste from the leather industry

The leather industry (tanneries) generates high amounts of toxic wastes, including solid and liquid effluents that are rich in organic matter and mineral content. Vermicomposting was studied as an alternative method of treating the wastes from tanneries. Vermicompost was produced from the following tannery residues: tanned chips of wet-blue leather, sludge from a liquid residue treatment station, and a mixture of both. Five hundred earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were added to each barrel. During the following 135 days the following parameters were evaluated: pH, total organic carbon (TOC), organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), C:N ratio, and chromium content as Cr (III) and Cr (VI). The results for pH, TOC and OM contents showed decreases in their values during the composting process, whereas values for CEC and total nitrogen rose, indicating that the vermicompost reached maturity. For chromium, at 135 days, all values of Cr (VI) were below the detectable level. Therefore, the Cr (VI) content had probably been biologically transformed into Cr (III), confirming the use of this technique as an advanced biological treatment. The study reinforces the idea that vermicomposting could be introduced as an effective technology for the treatment of industrial tannery waste and the production of agricultural inputs.     

一体式A/O反应器中不同碳硫比对除碳脱臭效率的影响

在污水处理领域同步除碳脱臭研究一直是个难题,本实验开发了一种新型同步除碳脱臭一体式A/O反应器,研究了该一体式A/O反应器处理不同碳硫比有机废水时的同步除碳脱臭功能。结果表明,碳硫比为30∶1时,即进水SO24-浓度为133 mg/L,该反应器总COD去除率可达到95%。在进水SO24-浓度不大于400 mg/L时,中间产物臭气硫化氢气可以完全去除,实现了同步除碳脱臭的功能,减少了在有机废水处理过程中的大量臭气的排放。微生物学角度分析,表明污泥中含有大量的硫细菌。     

Decolourization and removal of some organic compounds from olive mill wastewater by advanced oxidation processes and lime treatment

Background Olive mill wastewater (OMW) generated by the olive oil extracting industry is a major pollutant, because of its high organic load and phytotoxic and antibacterial phenolic compounds which resist biological degradation. Mediterranean countries are mostly affected by this serious environmental problem since they are responsible for 95% of the worldwide oliveoil production. There are many methods used for OMW treatment, such as adsorption, electro coagulation, electro-oxidation, biological degradation, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), chemical coagulation, flocculation, filtration, lagoons of evaporation and burning systems, etc. Currently, there is no such economical and easy solution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of decolourization and removal of phenol, lignin, TOC and TIC in OMW by UV/H₂O₂ (AOPs). The operating parameters, such as hydrogen peroxide dosage, times, pH, effect of UV and natural sunlight were determined to find the suitable operating conditions for the best removal. Moreover, there is no study reported in the literature related to the use of UV/H₂O₂ and lime together in OMW treatment. Methods OMW was obtained from an olive-oil producing plant (Muğla area of Turkey) which uses a modern production process. No chemical additives are used during olive oil production. This study was realised by using two different UV sources, while taking the time and energy consumption into consideration. These two sources were mercury lamps and natural sunlight. Before starting AOPs experiments, one litre of OMW was treated by adding lime until a pH of 7.00. Then, 100 ml was taken from each sample, and 1 to 10 ml of a 30% H₂O₂ (Riedel-deHaen) solution was added. These solutions in closed vessels were laid in the natural sunlight for a week and their compositions and colour changes were analysed daily by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. At the end of the one-week period, they were treated with lime. In this study, the effect of changes in the initial pH, times and H₂O₂ concentrations on removal was investigated. At the end of all experiments, changes in colour, phenol, lignin, TOC and TIC concentrations were analysed according to standard methods. Results and Discussion In the samples exposed to natural sunlight and having an H₂O₂/OMW ratio of 3 ml/100 ml, a significant colour removal was achieved approximately 90% of the time at the end of 7 days. When the same samples were treated with lime (pH: up to 7), 99% efficiency was achieved. When phenol and lignin removals were examined in the same concentration, phenol and lignin removal were found 99.5%, 35%, respectively. However, for maximum lignin removal, more use of H₂O₂ (10 ml H₂O₂/100 ml OMW) was found to be necessary. Under these conditions, it was found that lignin can be removed by 70%, but to 90% with lime, at the end of a seven-day period. Rate constants obtained in the experiments performed with direct UV were found to be much higher than those of the samples exposed to natural sunlight (k^a _lignin = 0.3883 ≫ k^b _lignin = 0.0078; k^a _phenol = 0.5187 ≫ k^b _phenol = 0.0146). Moreover, it should be remembered in this process that energy consumption may induce extra financial burden for organisations. Conclusions It was found, in general, that colour, lignin, total organic carbon and phenol were removed more efficiently from OMW by using H₂O₂ UV and lime OMW. Moreover, in the study, lime was found to contribute, both initially and after radical reactions, to the efficiency to a great extent. Recommendations and Perspectives Another result obtained from the study is that pre-purification carried out with hydrogen peroxide and lime may constitute an important step for further purification processes such as adsorption, membrane processes, etc.     

Diagnosis of dissolved organic matter removal by GAC treatment in biologically treated papermill effluents using advanced organic characterisation techniques

Granular activated carbon (GAC) exhaustion rates on pulp and paper effluent from South East Australia were found to be a factor of three higher (3.62 cf. 1.47 kg m⁻³) on Kraft mills compared to mills using Thermomechanical pulping supplemented by Recycled Fibre (TMP/RCF). Biological waste treatment at both mills resulted in a final effluent COD of 240 mg L⁻¹. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was only 1.2 times higher in the Kraft effluent (70 vs. 58 mg L⁻¹), however, GAC treatment of Kraft and TMP/RCF effluent was largely different on the DOC persisted after biological treatment. The molecular mass (636 vs. 534 g mol⁻¹) and aromaticity (5.35 vs. 4.67 L mg⁻¹ m⁻¹) of humic substances (HS) were slightly higher in the Kraft effluent. The HS aromaticity was decreased by a factor of 1.0 L mg⁻¹ m⁻¹ in both Kraft and TMP/RCF effluent. The molecular mass of the Kraft effluent increased by 50 g mol⁻¹ while the molecular mass of the TMP/RCF effluent was essentially unchanged after GAC treatment; the DOC removal efficiency of the GAC on Kraft effluent was biased towards the low molecular weight humic compounds. The rapid adsorption of this fraction, coupled with the slightly higher aromaticity of the humic components resulted in early breakthrough on the Kraft effluent. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix analysis of the each GAC treated effluent indicated that the refractory components were higher molecular weight humics on the Kraft effluent and protein-like compounds on the TMP/RCF effluent. Although the GAC exhaustion rates are too high for an effective DOC removal option for biologically treated pulp and paper mill effluents, the study indicates that advanced organic characterisation techniques can be used to diagnose GAC performance on complex effluents with comparable bulk DOC and COD loads.     

活性炭纤维上4-氯酚及焦化废水尾水的O3催化氧化降解实验研究

选择YT-1000型活性炭纤维（ACF）作为催化剂，考察ACF与O₃协同作用催化降解水溶液中4-氯酚的最佳反应条件，并将该条件应用于焦化废水生物处理尾水中难降解有机污染物的催化氧化。ACF表面具有丰富的微孔结构，对4-氯酚有良好的吸附作用，在动力学上提高了其与O3反应的起始浓度，并且在ACF表面含氧、含氮等基团的催化作用下发生氧化反应，1 L浓度为100 mg/L的4-氯酚水样中投加2 g ACF反应6 min时，吸附作用对TOC的去除率为43.4%，而ACF协同O₃作用时的TOC去除率提高到72.5%，协同增效作用为67.1%；在选定的反应条件下，ACF协同O₃降解焦化废水生物处理尾水，60 min时的TOC与色度的去除率分别达到56.8%和96.3%。上述研究过程证明了吸附作用与催化作用的协同能有效降解生物过程不能降解的焦化废水中惰性有机污染物。     

Modifications of black carbons and their influence on pyrene sorption

Sorption of pyrene on black carbons (BCs) obtained by heating sawdust at two temperatures (400 and 700 °C, denoted as 400BC and 700BC, respectively), as well as on modified BCs (via oxidation, oximation, and hydrolysis) was studied to investigate the role of BC structural characteristics in sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds. Pyrene was bound strongly by 700BC and 400BC, with organic carbon normalized distribution coefficients (K_oc) of 10^5.04-10^5.86 and 10^4.65-10^5.16, respectively, at equilibrium pyrene concentrations of 10-100 μg L⁻¹. Both chemical composition and pore distribution of the two BCs changed after modifications, which led to changes in their sorption characteristics for pyrene. After modifications, the linearity of pyrene sorption isotherm increased for 700BC but decreased for 400BC. For 700BC, both oxidation and oximation reduced pyrene sorption, with K_oc decreasing by 69.1-73.7% and 18.7-33.9%, respectively, whereas hydrolysis did not exert a significant influence. For 400BC, oxidation and hydrolysis reduced K_oc by 2.28-25.9% and 29.2-33.9%, respectively, while oximation increased K_oc. In most cases, the change in sorption capacity could be explained by the changes in C content and type, polarity, surface area, and micropore volume of the BCs; however, the role of conformation (the accessibility to sorption sites) could not be ignored.