Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN
Carbon water filters are an important part of water purification. They remove impurities, bad tastes, and odors from water by attracting and capturing molecules through a process called adsorption. There are two main types of carbon filters for water purification: GAC carbon filters or ACB carbon filter media.

The biggest difference between the Granulated Activated Carbon is one is loose and the other one is pressed into shape.
Activated Carbon Block filters (ACB) contain carbon fibers that attract and adsorb contaminants. ACB is preferred over GAC for its ability to remove volatile organic compounds.
What carbon filters remove
Carbon water filters remove impurities, bad tastes, and odors from water by attracting and capturing molecules through a process called adsorption.
An Activated Carbon Block filter is preferred over Granular Activated Carbon. For an excellent and proven way to remove these contaminants, carbon can provide the best results.
Below is a comprehensive list of contaminants that (GAC) Granular Activated Carbon filters remove.
- Acetaldehyde
- Acetone
- Alcohols
- Amyl Acetate
- Amyl Alcohol
- Antifreeze
- Benzene
- Bleach
- Butyl Alcohol
- Butyl Acetate
- Calcium Hypochlorite
- Chloral
- Chloramine
- Chloroform
- Chlorine
- Chlorophenol
- Chlorophyll
- Citric Acid
- Cresol
- Defoliants
- Diesel Fuel
- Dyes
- Ethyl Acrylate
- Ethyl Alcohols
- Ethyl Acetate
- Ethyl Amine
- Ethyl Ether
- Gasoline
- Glycols
- Herbicides
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hypochlorous Acid
- Insecticides
- Iodine
- Isopropyl Acetate
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Ketones
- Lactic Acids
- Mercaptans
- Methyl Acetate
- Methyl Alcohol
- Methyl Bromide
- Methyl Chloride
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone
- Naphtha
- Nitrobenzene
- Nitrotoluene
- Odors (General)
- Oil-Dissolved
- Organic Acids
- Organic Esters
- Organic Salts
- Oxalic Acid
- Ozone
- PCB’s
- Pesticides
- Phenol
- Plastic Tastes
- Potassium Permanganate
- Propionic Acid
- Propyl Acetate
- Propyl Alcohol
- Propyl Chloride
- Radon
- Rubber Taste
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Solvents
- Sulphonated Oils
- Tannins
- Tar Emulsion
- Tartaric Acid
- THM’s
- Toluene
- Toluidine
- Trichloroethylene
- Turpentine
- Xanthophyll
- Xylene
Wrap up:
Carbon filters are an important part of water purification. They remove impurities, bad tastes, and odors from water by attracting and capturing molecules through a process called adsorption. There are two main types of carbon filters: GAC carbon filters or ACB carbon fiber filter media. Activated Carbon Block (ACB) filter media is preferred over (GAC) for its ability to remove Volatile Organic Compounds. Because VOCs are harmful chemicals like pesticides insecticides and industrial chemicals. If you want more information about how carbon water filters work to remove impurities, Click Here!
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