This practice is used when activated carbon is considered as an adsorbent in treating water. Since both granular and powdered activated carbons are commercially available, a standard practice is needed to ensure that the activated carbons are evaluated under the same test conditions. Specified particle size carbon is to be used to ensure that the same test conditions are used. The practice is generally performed at 20°C; however, other temperatures may be used and noted.

1.1 This practice covers the determination of the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon to remove undesirable constituents from water and waste water. It can be used to evaluate the adsorptive capacity of activated or reactivated carbon.

1.2 This practice is not recommended unless special precautions are taken to reduce loss during sample preparation and analysis.

1.3 This practice is recommended to determine the adsorptive capacity of activated carbon for the following applications, but is not limited to these applications:

1.3.1 Removal of color from dye mill waste water,

1.3.2 Removal of taste or odor constituents, or both, from potable waters,

1.3.3 Removal of toxicants from water,

1.3.4 Removal of surface active agents from water,

1.3.5 Removal of BOD₅ from sanitary waste waters, and

1.3.6 Removal of TOC from industrial waste waters.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 The following safety caveat applies to the procedure section of this practice: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.