At General Carbon, we are dedicated to providing innovative and effective solutions for water purification, particularly when it comes to tackling emerging contaminants like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
That’s why we’re excited to highlight a recent success story from the University of Rhode Island (URI), where activated carbon adsorption has played a crucial role in removing PFAS from the campus water supply. This achievement demonstrates the power of activated carbon in safeguarding public health and the environment.
PFAS Contamination: A Growing Concern
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and waterproof fabrics. Unfortunately, PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects. With stricter regulations on PFAS levels in drinking water, institutions like URI are taking proactive measures to ensure water safety.
How URI is Tackling PFAS with Activated Carbon
The University of Rhode Island faced a significant challenge: its drinking water supply contained PFAS concentrations averaging 29 parts per trillion (ppt), surpassing Rhode Island’s interim standard of 20 ppt. In response, the university implemented an advanced granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption system designed to reduce PFAS levels to nondetectable amounts.
The adsorption system consists of:
- Two large adsorption vessels standing over 12 feet tall
- 5,347 cubic feet of activated carbon granules
- A multi-step process ensuring maximum PFAS removal
Activated carbon is highly effective in trapping and adsorbing PFAS molecules, preventing them from contaminating the drinking water supply. URI’s system was successfully installed within nine months, demonstrating both the efficiency and scalability of activated carbon technology.
State Support and Future Impact
This groundbreaking project received $20 million in funding from the Rhode Island Capital Plan, making it the first municipal-scale PFAS removal system in the state. URI’s success story sets a strong precedent for other universities, municipalities, and industries grappling with PFAS contamination.
The full details of this achievement can be found in the original article from Water Conditioning & Purification International Magazine here.
General Carbon’s Commitment to Clean Water Solutions
At General Carbon, we recognize the critical role of activated carbon in addressing today’s most pressing water treatment challenges. The success of URI’s PFAS adsorption system is a testament to the reliability and effectiveness of activated carbon technology in protecting public health.
One of our premier products for liquid-phase filtration is GC 12×40 activated carbon, a high-quality bituminous coal-based carbon specifically engineered for water purification applications. Its particle size and porosity make it especially effective for PFAS removal in both municipal and industrial settings.
As more institutions and municipalities seek to comply with evolving PFAS regulations, we remain committed to providing trusted solutions like GC 12×40 to meet your treatment goals. Whether you’re facing PFAS contamination or other water quality concerns, General Carbon is here to help.
For more information on how our activated carbon products can support your water purification needs and remove PFAS from drinking water, contact us today!