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Welcome to the ABC of water treatment

 

Each week, we spotlight an essential chemical used in water treatment. In this episode, we explore activated carbon, a highly efficient adsorbent used for water purification.

Read on to learn about its benefits, applications, and usage guidelines. 

What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is a highly porous material made from natural resources like wood, coconut shells, or coal. Picture it as a microscopic sponge with millions of tiny pores and a vast surface area. This structure allows activated carbon to effectively trap and hold various contaminants and impurities from water.  

Applications in water treatment 

  • organic contaminant removal: Adsorbs pesticides, solvents, and hydrocarbons 
  • taste and odor control: Eliminates unpleasant flavors and smells 
  • disinfection by-product removal: Reduces harmful trihalomethanes formed during chlorination 
  • heavy metal removal: Specialized forms can remove lead, cadmium and mercury 

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Product benefits

  • effective purification: Removes a wide range of organic and inorganic impurities 
  • no harmful residues: Leaves treated water free from hazardous residues 
  • reusable: Can be reactivated for reuse, promoting environmental sustainability 
  • cost-effective: Economical in both initial and long-term usage 

 

Properties, usage guidelines and safety precautions

Properties

  • high surface area: 500-1500 m²/g, perfect for adsorption
  • porous structure: Micropores and mesopores boost contaminant removal
  • versatile forms: Available as powdered (PAC), granular (GAC), and extruded (EAC)
  • variable density: 0.25 to 0.65 g/cm³, based on source material 

Usage guidelines

  • product selection: Choose based on specific water chemistry and contaminant types
  • monitoring: Regularly check water quality to adjust dosage and optimize performance

Safety precautions

  • dust inhalation: Avoid inhaling dust, use in a well-ventilated area
  • protective gear: Wear gloves and goggles to prevent skin and eye contact 
  • storage: Store in a dry place away from strong oxidizing agents