Porous carbon obtained by the carbonization of organic materials of synthetic or vegetable origin and activated to develop a large surface area per unit volume with strong adsorptive properties. Typical organic sources include coconut shells, peat, anthracite, and soft and hard woods according to their characteristics. Uses include the removal of odors (e.g. in air conditioning), the recovery of organic solvents from gases, the decolorization of liquids and the removal of contaminant from aqueous effluents. Some filter media incorporate activated carton with their structure to facilitate simultaneous filtration and adsorption.
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