Improve Water Quality with Activated Carbon Filtration

Water is an essential resource for life, and ensuring its quality is a priority for residential and industrial applications. Over the years, advancements in activated carbon filtration have enhanced water purification processes.

By efficiently removing impurities, this material has become integral to improving water quality across diverse sectors. It is particularly important in industrial water treatment and sustainable filtration systems.

In this article, we will explore how activated carbon filtration contributes to water quality improvement, examining its applications, benefits, and impact on water treatment practices.

What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous carbon material processed to enhance its adsorptive properties. It primarily comprises carbonaceous substances such as coal, wood, coconut shells, or other organic materials.

The production of activated carbon involves two main processes: physical activation and chemical activation.

• Physical activation involves heating the raw material to high temperatures in an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen, followed by activation using oxidising gases like steam or carbon dioxide. This method develops a network of pores within the carbon.
• Chemical Activation: In this method, the raw material is treated with chemical agents such as phosphoric acid or potassium hydroxide before being heated. The chemical treatment reduces the temperature required for activation and results in a more tailored pore structure.

How does activated carbon filtration work?

Activated carbon filtration relies on the principle of adsorption, where contaminants attach to the surface of carbon particles. This material is renowned for its exceptional porosity and vast surface area, with just one gram often exceeding 1,000 square metres of surface. These characteristics make it highly effective at adsorbing a broad range of impurities.

As fluid passes through an activated carbon filter, contaminants and gases are attracted to and retained on the carbon’s surface. The carbon process is driven by the material’s extensive mass and the strong intermolecular forces, known as van der Waals forces, between the carbon surface and the contaminants.

Here are the types of contaminants that can be removed:

• Organic Compounds: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and herbicides
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Common in tap water, these are effectively removed
• Odors and Tastes: Unpleasant smells and tastes in water or air are reduced
• Some Heavy Metals: Limited removal is available depending on the filter design
• Gases: Able to remove pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde for air purification

Applications in water purification

The adaptability of activated carbon filtration makes it an ideal solution for various applications. Here are common areas where it is commonly used include:

• Residential water filters: Activated carbon filters enhance the taste, odour, and safety of drinking water, making them a popular choice for households.
• Industrial water treatment: Industries rely on activated carbon to meet regulatory standards by effectively removing hazardous substances from wastewater.
• Portable water filters: Lightweight and efficient, portable carbon filters are a dependable solution for outdoor enthusiasts and travellers who want to purify water while on the move.
• Wastewater treatment: Activated carbon is instrumental in eliminating contaminants from wastewater, facilitating its safe disposal or reuse.
• High-purity water applications: Sectors like power generation and pharmaceuticals depend on activated carbon to achieve the stringent water purity required for optimal operations.

Water Treatment using Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is commonly used in water treatment because it effectively removes contaminants and improves water quality in various applications. Its adsorption properties make it a versatile and reliable solution for treating drinking water and wastewater.

Combining activated carbon with other filtration methods, such as reverse osmosis, creates a robust multi-barrier system. These integrated systems effectively target a broader range of contaminants, including heavy metals and pathogens, ensuring thorough purification.

Improving taste and odour

One key advantage of activated carbon filtration is its ability to improve the taste and odour of water. Improved taste and odour enhance the user experience and promote better hydration and satisfaction in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other organic impurities often contribute to unpleasant smells and unpalatable tastes in water. Activated carbon effectively adsorbs these compounds onto its porous surface, removing the root causes of these undesirable characteristics.

Additionally, activated carbon filters efficiently target sulfur compounds, commonly associated with a “rotten egg” smell in water. By adsorbing these odour-causing molecules, the filtration process ensures the water remains fresh and free of unpleasant scents.

Eco-friendly water purification methods

Activated carbon filtration is a sustainable and eco-friendly method for water purification. It combines natural materials with effective contaminant removal. Its low environmental impact and versatility make it ideal for promoting cleaner water while reducing ecological harm.

Choosing the Right Activated Carbon Filter