Efficacy of Bank Filtration for the Removal of Fragrance Compounds and Aromatic Hydrocarbons

The elimination of fragrance compounds by bank filtration was studied in a suboxic aquifer. Fragrance compounds were the major volatile organic compounds (VOC) in river water (Neckar / SW Germany) and were accompanied by aromatic hydrocarbons. Typical fragrance compounds were menthol, limonene, a-terpineol, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexanol and 4-tert.butylcyclohexanone. Bank filtration reduced the concentrations of these compounds near to or below their detection limit. The reduction of concentrations in the aquifer was primarily found in the first meters from the river. The concentrations of the aromatic hydrocarbons were reduced to nanogram per liter levels.