Evaluation of point-of-use treatments and biochar to reduce 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) contamination in drinking water

From the 1940s to the 1980s, 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) was widely present as an impurity in soil fumigants to eliminate plant parasitic nematodes. TCP also saw wide usage as a degreaser and solvent in industrial processes. In rural agricultural regions with a history of fumigant use, TCP is a common pollutant in groundwater. As a potent suspected carcinogen (California MCL 5 ng/L), TCP poses a risk to communities reliant on domestic wells. Lacking the populations needed for more centralized water treatment facilities, these communities often use point-of-use (POU) treatment technologies or buy bottled water. In this study, we tested commercially available water pitchers equipped with carbon filters for point-of-use TCP treatment efficacy. As a less costly carbon alternative, we also tested low-cost, locally sourced biochar made from almond shells. Biochar could serve as a sustainable alternative to the current coconut and coal-based carbon feedstocks. Pitcher point-of-use filters removed at or above 98% of TCP in tap water derived from untreated groundwater during their lifetime of use. In our batch studies, almond biochar did absorb TCP at a lower efficiency than commercially available granulated carbon. Ultimately, the study's findings could assist affected communities and households in identifying efficient and cost-effective treatment technologies at the domestic well and household levels.

Methods
This data set was collected throughout the study. Both raw and processed data sets are shown.