Activated carbon has quickly become a key component for many industrial and residential applications in the modern world, from medical, cosmetics, pollution control, and now even with water filtration. Many types of filtration systems today use carbon as part of their purification process.

Carbon filters use granular (loose beads) or block-form (solid sponge) activated carbon that has been processed to have an extremely porous surface, which aids in trapping pollutants.

Carbon water filters primarily work by adsorption, meaning that the contaminants that need to be removed are attracted to and bond to the carbon – similar to how a magnet works. In cases where contaminants are not attracted to carbon, carbon is able to chemically change the molecular composition of these contaminants into a chloride that can be absorbed into the porous carbon.

Carbon filters help remove chlorine, heavy metals, chloramines, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC), total suspended solids (TSS) and other harmful particles that may be present in the water. Additionally, carbon can filter out bad odor and taste from the water.

To ensure maximum protection, many water filtration systems use carbon filters alongside other filters such as UV and chemical filters. In reverse osmosis filtration systems, carbon is typically used in the first stage of the purification process.

In terms of lifespan, the duration of a carbon filter will depend on a variety of factors, including water quality, carbon quality, frequency of usage and humidity. Replacing the carbon and polishing filters every 6 to 12 months is recommended; and is something your vendor will be glad to assist you with.