Activated carbon is typically used to remove what type of substances?

Activated carbon is highly effective at removing dissolved organic substances from wastewater. This effectiveness stems from its large surface area and porous structure, which allow it to adsorb and bind various organic compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other contaminants that are difficult to remove through conventional treatment processes. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon makes it particularly valuable in applications where the removal of organic contaminants is necessary for achieving compliance with environmental regulations and ensuring the safety of treated effluent.

By contrast, while heavy metals and dissolved salts can be challenging to remove from water, they require different treatment methods, such as ion exchange or chemical precipitation. Suspended solids, which are larger particles that do not dissolve in water, are typically removed through filtration or sedimentation processes. Therefore, the selection of activated carbon for the removal of dissolved organics is a specific and effective approach unique to its properties.