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Introduction
PFAS (Per‑ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) have become one of the most challenging contaminants in global water treatment. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are resistant to natural degradation and are now found in groundwater, drinking water, industrial wastewater, landfill leachate, and surface water worldwide. Activated carbon has emerged as one of the most reliable and widely used technologies for PFAS removal.
This blog explains how activated carbon removes PFAS, what types of carbon work best, and how to select the right carbon for your application.
What Are PFAs?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in:
- firefighting foams (AFFF)
- non‑stick coatings
- textiles and waterproofing agents
- metal plating and electronics
- industrial surfactants
Why Are PFAs Difficult to Remove?
Their carbon‑fluorine (C–F) bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, making PFAS:
- highly persistent
- mobile in water
- resistant to biodegradation
- difficult to treat using conventional methods
Common PFAS include PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFBS, and many others. Because of growing health concerns, many countries now require very low PFAS levels in drinking water—often below 4 ng/L (parts per trillion).
How Activated Carbon Removes PFAS?
Activated carbon removes PFAS primarily through adsorption, attracting PFAS molecules to its porous surface.
Key factors that influence adsorption:
- Hydrophobic interaction: PFAS have hydrophobic tails that bond well with the carbon surface.
- Pore size distribution: Micro‑ and mesopores are critical for long‑chain PFAS.
- Carbon type: Coconut shell and coal‑based carbons show the best PFAS affinity.
- Contact time (EBCT): Longer times improve PFAS adsorption capacity.
Coal-Based Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Coal-based granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely used for removing PFAS (such as PFOA and PFOS) from water due to its abundant micropore volume, stable structural strength, and good hydrophobicity. Its granular form is suitable for long-term operation in fixed-bed filtration systems, providing sustained adsorption capacity and a long breakthrough time. For low-concentration or persistent PFAS contamination, coal-based GAC is an economical, stable, and easy-to-maintain option.
GAC Applications
• PFAS removal in drinking water treatment
• Groundwater remediation projects
• Fixed-bed activated carbon filters in municipal water plants
• Deep purification of surface water and well water
• Post-treatment polishing of industrial wastewater
Coal-Based Powder Activated Carbon (PAC)
Coal-based powdered activated carbon (PAC) possesses a high specific surface area and rapid adsorption kinetics, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid reduction of PFAS concentrations. PAC is typically added to water bodies via a dosing system and removed through coagulation, sedimentation, or filtration, making it suitable for high-concentration, sudden, or complex PFAS pollution scenarios. Its high flexibility makes it a commonly used material in industrial wastewater and emergency treatment.
PAC Applications
• Pretreatment of high-concentration PFAS wastewater in industry
• Rapid treatment of AFFF (Aerosol-Fluorescent Foam) firefighting contaminated water
• Short-term or temporary PFAS removal in coagulation/sedimentation processes
• Emergency response and short-term water quality improvement
• Auxiliary measures for PFAS removal at industrial discharge outlets
Conclusion
Activated carbon remains one of the most effective, economical, and widely used technologies for PFAS removal from water. With the right carbon type and proper system design, PFAS can be significantly reduced to meet strict water quality regulations.
If you need support selecting the best activated carbon for your PFAS removal project, feel free to contact us—we can recommend the ideal GAC or PAC grade based on your water quality and treatment goals.