PFAS, or pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a diverse classification that comprises thousands of chemicals. They are used in a huge variety of products and are deemed to be very dangerous for our health as well. Activated carbon is a purification agent that can have targeted applications based on its raw material and production process. It has revolutionized the purification processes of air and water in countless industries as well as in domestic spaces. In this article, we are going to look into the role of activated carbon in PFAS (pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) removal from the environment and water.
What are PFAS and their significance?
As we mentioned above, PFAS is a huge and diverse group of human-made chemicals, and they have been widely used in many commercial products since the mid-1900s. These chemicals show resistance to water, oil, heat, and grease, and the products they are found in include fabrics, paints, cleaning products, foam (AFFF), etc. Some of them are also used in food packaging and cookware as well.
PFAS are generally slower to degrade due to the presence of a strong carbon-fluorine bond in their structure. The increased use of these chemicals in countless commercial products, combined with their degradation-resistant nature, has considerably increased the PFAS contamination level in water, soil, and air. PFAS has also been found in the bloodstream of animals and humans too, and the health risks it poses are still under research, but there is no doubt that PFAS accumulation in humans is associated with serious health concerns. Harder to break down, when PFAS reaches humans, their levels can be dangerously high.
Around the world, in many countries, the use of PFAS in industrial products and its level in water are closely watched and regulated. For example, in the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia, PFAS levels in drinking water are regulated, and in some of these countries, they are banned from being used in firefighting foam and food packaging. Through food, water, and air, we might get exposed to harmful PFAS compounds and the most important step we should implement to minimize the effect of these chemicals on our health is highly effective purification processes that can almost completely eliminate the release of such harmful chemicals into the environment. This is where we discuss the significance of activated carbon and its role in the removal of PFAS.
Activated carbon
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are among the most studied PFAS chemicals, and researchers have found several ways to remove them from water, such as ion exchange resins, high-pressure membranes, and activated carbon filtration. Among these, activated carbon treatment has been closely studied and found to be highly effective.
Activated carbon is one of the most effective and diverse adsorbents used across the world in various industries as well as in domestic settings for the purification of air and water. The large surface area due to the highly porous surface and the high adsorption capacity make activated carbon one of the most reliable and affordable purification agents. Made from raw materials such as coconut shells, wood, coal, and lignite, activated carbon has two main manufacturing steps: carbonization of the raw materials followed by activation.
Activated carbon is classified into many groups based on its special properties, and some of the most sought-after forms of activated carbon are granular activated carbon (GAC), powdered activated carbon (PAC), impregnated activated carbon, and pelletized activated carbon. Used in various industries and homes to remove a variety of pollutants and contaminants, activated carbon is a reliable and sustainable way to address many of our purification needs.
Activated carbon treatment for PFAS removal
Activated carbon treatment is deemed an exceptionally effective way to remove PFAS from water and air. The granular activated carbon (GAC) form of activated carbon in flow-through filter mode generally works best when it comes to removing PFAS from water. This can be especially useful when it comes to industrial-level purification needs, drinking water purification, and domestic water filtration.
Powdered activated carbon can also be used to remove PFAS from water, but instead of the flow-through filter method, PAC is directly added to the water to adsorb the pollutants. However, many researchers point out that granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment is more efficient and cost-effective when it comes to the removal of PFAS compared to powdered activated carbon, and it is exceptionally good at removing long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS in water. Activated carbon can be recycled using reactivation methods, which will destroy the already adsorbed pollutants, allowing it to be reused in the same purification process. This sustainability makes activated carbon one of the most eco-friendly and economical purification agents used in PFAS removal.
Conclusion
Embracing a sustainable purification solution is the need of the hour, and the significance of activated carbon in removing toxic contaminants such as PFAS cannot be ignored! Southern Carbon is one of the premium activated carbon companies in India, offering our products and services across the world. We are one of the major activated carbon manufacturers in Kerala, and our products are made from high-quality sustainable raw materials such as coconut shells and wood. Suitable for both domestic and commercial use, our high-end activated carbon products are of top quality and efficiency. With more than two decades of experience and trusted clients across the world, we are determined to provide customized, high-end products around the world as per our clients’ demands. Our 24/7 customer service will provide you with adequate purchase and product support. Connect with us to learn more about our product catalogue, customization, and shipping details.