The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers adsorption by activated carbon to be the best available technology for the removal of many contaminants in surface water. Activated carbon aids in the removal of:

Compounds that cause unwanted taste, odor or color
Organic materials from decaying plants and other naturally-occurring contaminants

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) linked to chlorine and alternative disinfectants Algal toxins and cyanotoxins, such as microcystin-LR, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-A

Endocrine-disrupting compounds that can adversely affect hormonal systems
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) contamination
Different types of activated carbon are suited for various specialized applications.

Granulated activated carbon dechlorinates water, adsorbs organic material and produces a chemical-reducing environment
Granulated activated carbon impregnated with silver salts inhibits the growth of bacteria Catalytic activated carbon removes chloramines from drinking water.

Pelletized (or extruded) activated carbon effectively dechlorinates and removes chemicals. Powdered activated carbon is used to eliminate trace synthetic chemicals and taste and odor causing chemicals, and for chemical spills or algal blooms.

Granular Activated Carbon

Scientific research has shown the effectiveness of granular activated carbon filtration systems in removing PFOA and PFOS contaminants from municipal drinking water.

Perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been accumulating in the environment for years. These perfluorinated compounds are also known as PFCs. The negative impact on human health from PFOA and PFOS is becoming a major concern of municipal drinking water providers.

Extremely resistant to degradation and repelling both water and oil, perfluorinated chemicals are used in:

• Surfactant in fire-fighting foam
• Emulsifier in floor polish
• Mist suppressant for metal plating baths
• Surfactant for etching acids for circuit boards
• Pesticide for insect bait traps
• Antistatic agent in photographic paper
• Waterproofcasts and wound dressings
• Non-stick cooking surfaces
• Soil and water repellent for carpet, upholstery, apparel
• Oil and water repellent for plates food containers, cartons