Organic Compounds
highly effective at removing organic contaminants:
Pesticides & herbicides (Atrazine, Glyphosate (Roundup), 2,4-D)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – solvents, fuels, industrial chemicals (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene,
Formaldehyde, Acetone, Petroleum hydrocarbons). Pharmaceutical Residues (Antibiotics, Hormones (estrogen, BPA), Painkillers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen))
Disinfection byproducts like Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic acids (HAAs)
Chlorine-based compounds (sodium hypochlorite, chloramines)
Ozone (O₃) – breaks down organic contaminants
Total Organic Carbon (TOCs) – decaying plant/animal matter
Removes chlorine taste and odor from water.
While not all heavy metals bind easily, activated carbon can adsorb:
Mercury
Lead (Pb) – especially when combined with other media like KDF
Cadmium (Cd)
Copper (Cu)
Nickel (Ni)
Chromium (Cr) – depends on oxidation state
Eliminates hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell)
Filters out fine particles, residual disinfectants, and turbidity, rust and silt
Activated carbon does not kill bacteria/viruses, but it can:
Remove organic matter that bacteria feed on
Improve the effectiveness of UV or other disinfection methods
Dissolved salts (e.g., sodium, fluoride, nitrates – requires reverse osmosis)
Hard water minerals (calcium, magnesium – needs a water softener)
Most viruses & bacteria (requires UV, boiling, or chemical disinfection)