What is Granular Activated Carbon?
Granular activated carbon is a highly adsorbent material used to remove contamination from water. Granular activated carbon particles are commonly used in municipal and home drinking-water filter systems to remove odors, taste, and excess chlorine. Carbon also is used to treat contaminated groundwater. As water passes over the carbon, contaminants stick to the surface of the particles. Granular activated carbon is manufactured from materials with a high carbon content such as coal, wood, coconut shells, or walnut shells. It is “activated” by heating it to increase the amount of surface area, giving contaminants more surfaces on which to adhere. The surface area of one pound of activated carbon is equal to 125 acres.
