Activated carbon is commonly used for the removal of organic pollutants from water. The effectiveness of an activated carbon in removing organic contaminants depends on several factors, including the specific type of activated carbon, the properties of the contaminants, and the conditions of the treatment process.
Here are some types of activated carbons that are effective in removing organic contaminants from water:
Powdered activated carbon (PAC): PAC is a fine powder that can be added to water to adsorb organic contaminants. PAC is most effective in removing small organic molecules, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Granular activated carbon (GAC): GAC is made of larger particles and is usually used in fixed-bed filters. GAC is effective in removing a wide range of organic contaminants, including VOCs, taste, and odor compounds, and some pesticides and herbicides.
Impregnated activated carbon: Impregnated activated carbon is activated carbon that has been treated with a chemical to enhance its ability to remove specific types of organic contaminants. For example, activated carbon impregnated with potassium permanganate is effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pesticides.
In general, the effectiveness of activated carbon in removing organic contaminants depends on several factors, such as the specific type of activated carbon, the properties of the contaminants, the pH of the water, the temperature, and the contact time. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider these factors when selecting the type of activated carbon to use for a specific water treatment application.