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   Activated Carbon
Home > Education > Treatment Options > Types of Treatment > Activated Carbon​​
Background
Activated Carbon (AC) is perhaps the most universally used technology, primarily used to remove organic chemicals. The filters act as an adsorbent to remove or reduce levels of water contaminants that affect the taste and odor of water, as well as harmful solvents, pesticides, and hazardous chemical wastes. They can also reduce radioactive compounds, chlorine, disinfection by-products, and lead. However, activated carbon does not remove harmful microbes. 
Examples of Treatment Devices
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Example of a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) system
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Example of a pour-through pitcher
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Example of a multi-barrier system with AC pre- and post-filtration (E.g., Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Activated Carbon Block (ACB)
Benefits:
  • ​Can remove radioactive compounds, chlorine, disinfection by-products (DPBs) and lead 
  • Effective for improving taste and odor 
  • Affordable and widely available
Limitations
  • Not effective for microbes, minerals, and dissolved solids
  • Low flow rate
Related Articles
  • 05/2015 Why a POU Device? [Link] 
  • 08/2016 Eliminating Chlorine Residuals from Tap Water [Link]​​
Other Resources: 
  • Water Quality Association: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Fact Sheet [Link]
  • EPA – A Citizen’s Guide to Activated Carbon Treatment [Link]​​
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      • David Loveday Fund
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