Activated carbon in water treatment: removing PFAS and micropollutants

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have become one of the biggest concerns in water treatment. They are extremely persistent, build up in the environment and in the body, and have earned the name “forever chemicals”. Granular activated carbon is today one of the most widely used technologies to remove them.

What EU law says

Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption sets two parametric values for PFAS: 0.1 µg/L for the sum of 20 PFAS of concern and 0.5 µg/L for PFAS total. Member States must ensure compliance from January 2026, which is pushing many utilities to upgrade their treatment.

How activated carbon removes PFAS

PFAS are held in the carbon’s pores by adsorption. Effectiveness depends on the type of PFAS: long-chain compounds (such as PFOS and PFOA) are removed well, while short-chain compounds need better-suited carbons, longer contact times or more frequent change-outs.

What drives performance

• Carbon type: pore structure and raw material influence capacity.
• Empty bed contact time (EBCT): in general, more time means better removal.
• Natural organic matter: competes with PFAS for adsorption sites.
• Replacement or reactivation frequency of the bed.

Other micropollutants

The same treatment helps remove pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, disinfection by-products and taste and odour compounds. That makes it a broad-spectrum solution for drinking water and wastewater plants.

How to size an activated carbon filter

1. Characterise the water: PFAS present, concentrations and organic matter.
2. Run column or lab tests with candidate carbons.
3. Define EBCT, filtration rate and number of beds.
4. Plan the replacement or reactivation of spent carbon.

Frequently asked questions

Does activated carbon remove all PFAS?

It removes long-chain PFAS very well. Short-chain PFAS may require combining it with other technologies, such as ion exchange resins or reverse osmosis.

How often should the carbon be replaced?

It depends on the water and treatment goal. Regular PFAS monitoring at the filter outlet is the best way to time it.

Talk to Zuria

Our ZC HYDRA line is designed for municipal water, PFAS and micropollutants, in GAC and PAC. Explore our activated carbon area or talk to our technical team.