Evaluation of different granulated active carbons for removal of Microcystin-LR from contaminated water

Most frequently encountered freshwater cyanobacterial toxin is Microcystin-LR (MC-LR). Microcystins released from cells into water have been responsible for the death of humans, domestic and wild animals. Removal of microcystin by active carbon has been one of the best methods available so far. This study evaluates three grades of active carbon namely 40, 60 and 80 CTC for their removal efficiency of MC-LR from contaminated water. Kinetics of toxin removal was studied in time course experiments. Protection in mouse model was studied for the samples after the adsorption. Toxin quantitation was done by HPLC method. The MC-LR concentration after 24 hr treatment with 40, 60 and 80 CTC carbons were 4.8, 3.3 and 1.3 microg/ml respectively from an initial concentration of 5.2 microg/ml. Protection in mouse bioassay was seen after 48, 24 and 2 hr of adsorption time respectively for 40, 60 and 80 CTC carbons. 80 CTC carbon was found to be most efficient in removing MC-LR from contaminated water.