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Water / liquids Activated carbon in water and liquid treatment

Water and liquid process media often contain dissolved compounds that influence their quality, color or composition - whether through natural origin, technical processes or input from the environment. Activated carbon is one of the most widely used processes in liquid phase adsorption for the targeted removal of such substances.

The spectrum of applications ranges from municipal and industrial drinking water treatment to the treatment of waste water and specialized applications such as aquaristics or the dechlorination of process water. In all these cases, activated carbon uses its large inner surface area to absorb organic molecules, chlorine compounds and other undesirable substances from the liquid.

Depending on the application, granulated activated carbon in a fixed bed or powdered activated carbon in a contact process are used. The selection of the appropriate quality depends on the type and concentration of the substances to be separated and the requirements of the respective process.

Drinking water

In drinking water treatment, activated carbon is used to remove organic trace substances, pesticides, chlorine, and odor-causing compounds from raw water. Both granular activated carbon in fixed-bed filters and powdered activated carbon in contact processes are established methods used in municipal water treatment plants and industrial drinking water treatment facilities.

Water purification

The term “water purification” refers to industrial and technical applications in which process, cooling, or service water must be stripped of pollutants, turbidity, or residual impurities. Activated carbon is often used here for fine purification following upstream treatment stages.

Wastewater

Industrial and municipal wastewater may contain dissolved organic compounds, dyes, or substances that are difficult to break down, which must be treated before being discharged into water bodies or the sewer system. Activated carbon is used as a polishing stage to complement biological treatment processes or in specialized industrial wastewater treatment plants.

Aquarium water

In the aquarium hobby—both at home and in professional breeding facilities—activated carbon is used to remove yellowing substances, medication residues, traces of heavy metals, and odor-causing compounds from the tank water. Granulated activated carbon in internal or external filter systems is a proven solution for this purpose.

Dechlorination

Chlorine and chloramines are used to disinfect drinking water, but they can interfere with downstream processes or be detectable by the senses. Activated carbon removes these compounds particularly effectively through adsorption and catalytic reactions and is therefore used in water filtration systems, beverage production facilities, and industrial processes.

At a Glance

Dechlorination and removal of chloramines in drinking water treatment
Adsorption of organic trace substances and pesticides from raw water
Treatment of wastewater from industrial production processes
Removal of odorous and taste-imparting substances from drinking and process water
Treatment of recirculating water in industry
Use in aquariums and ornamental fish farming for water maintenance
Polishing stage following biological wastewater treatment