Last Updated on August 17, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN
Do you know how activated carbon water filters work? If not, don’t worry! In this post, we will discuss the science behind activated carbon filters and explain how they work. Activated carbon filters are one of the most popular types of water filters on the market today. They are affordable, easy to use, and effective at removing contaminants from water.
But why are they so effective?
First, you have to understand what pollutants are and what they are made of. Pollutants can be inorganic or organic. Inorganic pollutants are made of minerals and metals, while organic pollutants are made of carbon. activated carbon filters work by adsorbing these contaminants onto their surface.
Activated carbon filters are made of small pieces of carbon that have been treated with oxygen to create a porous surface. This porous surface has a large surface area, which allows it to adsorb a large number of contaminants. When water passes through the activated carbon filter, the contaminants are drawn to the surface of the carbon and are trapped there.
The activation of the charcoal comes from using a process with heat or chemicals. By activating the carbon the surface area becomes exponentially bigger, approximately 30,000 ft.² per gram. As contaminants like chlorine and other heavy metals pass through the media, the carbon picks up the contaminants in a process called adsorption.
What kind of contaminates does Activated Carbon Remove?
There are many factors that go into the type of contaminants the activated carbon filters remove. The quality of the filter is a great place to start. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency research, most activated carbon filters will remove 80+ different types of contaminates (EPA).
Sediment
Even though Activated carbon is not a mechanical filter, it can filter down to around 5 microns. Ideally, you want to use a pleated filter before the activated carbon to remove larger sediment.
Chlorine
If you have ever swallowed pool water, you know what chlorine tastes like.
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick.
Depending on the carbon filter, you can get from 90-99% removal of chlorine taste in your water.
Herbicides and Pesticides
Herbicides are used to manage weeds. Think Roundup. while pesticides are used to manage output in agriculture.
Both are known carcinogens and are linked too long-term health effects including Parkinson’s and cancer.
PFAS’s
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, are known are a class of “Forever Chemicals”. these compounds are used in industrial and consumer products, like fire suppression foam, and nonstick cookware.
The most common are chlorine, asbestos, benzene, radon, and toluene which affect taste and odor.
Pharmaceuticals
This one doesn’t shock me like it use to. Human and animal bodies get rid of pharmaceutical waste through excrement (poop and urine) during treatment, making their way into our water sources.
Improper disposal (flushing down the toilet), as well as an increasing level of residue and over-the-counter medicines, are contributing to this problem.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
These water-soluble contaminants wreak havoc and are linked to long-term health issues. Paints and solvents are just a few. These organic chemicals can show up in just about any water supply.
Carbon Filters will not remove all VOCs
But they can drastically reduce most of them.
Lead
This neurotoxin is devastating. Look at the issue in Flint Michigan and even New York City. The infrastructure was built using lead pipes. And the cost to replace this aging infrastructure is expected to cost billions of dollars.
Fortunately, a good carbon filter can remove up to 99% from your point of entry.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in construction materials. However, it has been shown to be carcinogenic and can cause long-term health effects.
Asbestos fibers are very small and can be inhaled easily. Once they are in the lungs, they can cause scarring and inflammation. Asbestos fibers can also be deposited in the lining of the stomach and intestines, where they can cause irritation and inflammation.
MicroBiological Contaminates
A carbon filter isn’t the best choice to filter out these “bugs”. However, they will filter out some because of their size. A carbon filter will not make your water safe or “Potable”, only disinfection from chemicals like chlorine or UV light will make it safe.
Chlorine and Chloramine Byproducts
Chlorine is a widely used disinfectant. It is incredibly effective at destroying organisms that can lead to disease and illness. But it can react with parts of the water and create toxic byproducts.
Chloramine is an alternative disinfectant with a mixture of chlorine and ammonia. A carbon filter will help remove chlorine and chloramine as well as a good number of byproducts like Trihalomethanes (THMs: Tri-halo-meth-anes) that have been linked to cancer.
What Carbon Filters Cant Remove
Endotoxins are a nasty little byproduct as well that can cause all sorts of diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and amoebic dysentery to name a few. Because of their small size, carbon filters won’t filter these out.
- Inorganic Compounds
- Minerals
- Radiological compounds
- Petroleum
- Flouride and other salts
*IMPORTANT NOTE*
Hydrogen Sulphide, which causes water to smell like rotten eggs is known to decrease the life of a carbon filter. There are more effective ways to deal with hydrogen sulfide, and extend the life of your entire filtration system.
Activated carbon filters remove a variety of contaminants like lead, mercury, VOCs, and THMs. These chemicals affect the taste, and odor, and depending on how heavy the source is, even stain your appliances and fixtures.
How to choose the best-activated carbon water filter for your needs
There are many different types of water filters on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to activated carbon filters, it is important to choose one that is well-suited to your specific needs.
The first step is to determine the amount of water you want to filter. Smaller filters are less expensive and easier to maintain, but they may need to be replaced more frequently. Larger filters can handle more water, but they may be more expensive upfront.
It is also important to consider the quality of your water. If you have hard water, you will need a filter that can remove minerals and other impurities.
Most activated carbon filters are included in a system with other filters that remove other types of contaminates. For example, a sediment filter may be used to remove large particles from the water before it passes through the activated carbon filter.
The second step is to test your water. This will give you an idea of what types of contaminants are present and the amount of activated carbon you will need to remove them. There are many different water testing kits available, or you can have your water tested by a professional.
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The third step is to choose an activated carbon filter that is designed to remove the specific type of contaminants that are present in your water. There are many different types of activated carbon filters available, so it is important to do your research to find the one that is right for you.
There are many activated carbon filters on the market, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. With a little effort, you can find the perfect filter for your home.
Proper Care of Activated Carbon Water Filters
An activated carbon water filter is a great way to improve the quality of your tap water. Activated carbon filters remove impurities from water by adsorbing them onto the surface of the activated carbon.
The activated carbon in the filter traps impurities, contaminants, and debris, leaving you with clean, fresh-tasting water. However, activated carbon filters need to be properly maintained and cared for in order to work effectively. Here are some tips for keeping your activated carbon water filter in top condition:
- Flush the filter regularly with fresh water to remove any buildup of contaminants
- Replace the activated carbon every 6 months to ensure that the filter is working effectively
- Keep the filter stored in a cool, dry place to prevent the activated carbon from drying out or becoming damaged.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your activated carbon filter will work properly and provide you with clean, fresh-tasting water.
The cost of activated carbon water filters versus other types of water filters
When it comes to water filters, there are a variety of different types and brands to choose from. However, carbon filters are often considered to be the most effective at removing impurities from water.
While some carbon block filters may have a slightly higher initial cost than other types of filters, activated carbon typically lasts longer and provides better filtration. In addition, activated carbon is used to filter a wider range of contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and VOCs.
As a result, they are an ideal option for those who are looking for the most effective way to filter their water. Removing contaminants from your water is important for both your health and the longevity of your appliances.
Types of Activated Carbon Filters
Carbon Block Filters
Carbon block filters are one of the most common types of water filters. They are made of compressed carbon, which makes them very effective at reducing a wide range of contaminants. Because they are compressed, they are more effective at channeling resistance than some of their counterparts.
Carbon block filters can remove impurities such as chlorine, lead, and mercury, as well as organic compounds like herbicides and pesticides. Carbon block filters are also effective at reducing bad tastes and odors from water.
These filters typically need to be replaced every few months, depending on the quality of the water and the amount of usage. Carbon block filters are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their drinking water.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters are one of the most effective ways to remove impurities from water. The process works by passing water through a bed of granulated carbon, which adsorbs contaminants onto its surface. GAC filters are not compressed which can
GAC filters are commonly used in a wide variety of applications, including drinking water treatment, swimming pool filtration, and industrial wastewater treatment. As well as refrigerators and faucet systems. They are also great pre-treatment filters for a reverse osmosis system.
While GAC filters are very effective at removing impurities, they do have some limitations. For example, GAC filters can become clogged over time, and they need to be replaced regularly in order to maintain their efficacy. But unlike Carbon Block Filters, Gac filters can be back flushed for a longer life.
Additionally, GAC filters are not effective at removing dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Despite these limitations, GAC filters remain one of the most popular methods for purifying water.
Catalytic Carbon Filters
This type of Granulated Activated Carbon filter has been activated with chemicals instead of heat. Iron hydroxide gives it both adsorptive and reactive properties making it a great filter to remove ammonia and chloramine.
Because it has greater adsorptive properties than normal GAC filters, it’s able to remove difficult contaminates like lead and VOCs. It’s important to note that Catalytic Carbon Filters are the more expensive carbon filters on the market.
Are Activated Carbon Filters Safe?
Carbon filters are a popular choice for water filtration because they are relatively inexpensive and effective at removing a wide range of impurities.
Carbon filters work by trapping contaminants in a bed of activated carbon particles. While most carbon filters are safe, there is always the potential for harmful bacteria to grow on the filter itself. To reduce this risk, it is important to regularly clean and replace carbon filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Activated carbon water filters are a popular and affordable way to reduce the number of impurities in your drinking water. While most activated carbon filters are effective at removing contaminants, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and replacement in order to minimize any risk.
Additionally, it is important to use filtered water for drinking and cooking purposes to ensure that your family is safe from any possible contaminants.
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