A special problem with granular activated carbon filters is the rapid growth of which microorganisms?

A special problem with granular activated carbon filters is the rapid growth of which microorganisms?

• A. Helminths
• B. Amoebas
• C. Algae
• D. Bacteria

Answer: (D)

Granular activated carbon filters can become a haven for microorganisms because of their enormous surface area and porous structure. As water moves through the bed, natural organic matter and nutrients are adsorbed onto the carbon, providing a ready food source for microbes. The interior of the bed often has lower disinfectant residual, which allows bacteria to establish and multiply rapidly as biofilms on the carbon surfaces. This combination makes bacteria the most common rapid-growing microorganisms in GAC filters. Helminths and amoebas are larger or less likely to proliferate specifically inside the carbon bed, and algae require light to grow, which is not present inside the dark, packed media.

Granular activated carbon filters can become a haven for microorganisms because of their enormous surface area and porous structure. As water moves through the bed, natural organic matter and nutrients are adsorbed onto the carbon, providing a ready food source for microbes. The interior of the bed often has lower disinfectant residual, which allows bacteria to establish and multiply rapidly as biofilms on the carbon surfaces. This combination makes bacteria the most common rapid-growing microorganisms in GAC filters.

Helminths and amoebas are larger or less likely to proliferate specifically inside the carbon bed, and algae require light to grow, which is not present inside the dark, packed media.