Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water are a concern for many. These chemical contaminants have low boiling points and vaporise easily. Tap water sources can contain various VOCs from industrial, agricultural, and other sources. This raises questions over whether filtration methods like activated carbon are effective for removing these tricky compounds.
What are VOCs and How Do They Enter Water?
VOCs are a wide range of organic substances like solvents, fuel components, paint thinners, and many other industrial chemicals. Their volatility makes them easily leach into ground and surface waters from landfills, factory waste, fuel spills, and more.
Health and Safety Impacts of VOCs
Depending on the type and concentration, VOCs may potentially:
- Cause immediate symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation.
- Contribute to long-term health issues with prolonged exposure.
- Compromise water’s odour and taste.
- Raise cancer risks from carcinogenic VOCs.
Even small amounts are a potential concern over a lifetime of consumption. Removing VOCs from tap water is smart.
How Activated Carbon Removes VOCs
Activated carbon adsorption relies on a massive surface area of microscopic pores to trap contaminants. This makes it very effective for removing many VOCs.
However, carbon is less efficient on the smallest, most volatile VOCs that can evaporate from water rather than getting trapped. Very lightweight VOCs can also fail to stick to the pores.
For comprehensive VOC reduction, look for dense, catalysed carbon blocks optimised to adsorb VOCs. Adding reverse osmosis also helps.
Other Effective Filtration Options:
- Reverse osmosis membranes block and reject VOCs.
- GAC gravity water filters containing loose granulated carbon adsorb VOCs.
- Distillers effectively remove almost all VOCs along with other water impurities.
- Benchtop water purifiers and under sink water filters with quality carbon filters reduce VOCs.
While activated carbon has limitations for the smallest VOCs, the right carbon filters remain one of the most versatile options for removing the broadest range of VOC contaminants from drinking water. Paired with other methods like RO or distillation, activated carbon offers comprehensive VOC protection.
