Adsorption as a water purification technology

Adsorption is a water purification technology where water gets purified when molecules in the water to be purified attach to the surface of a solid substance that is added to the water. This solid matter works like a kind of magnet for the dirty parts: they are attracted to it and stick to it. Subsequently, the solid matter with the attached dirt particles is sieved from the water. 
Water technology
Joshua Reijnen
Technical specialist Water engineering | June 13, 2021 | 2 min. reading time

Adsorption with activated carbon

The solid substance often used for water treatment with adsorption is activated carbon. This is called the adsorption. This substance has a large surface area, so that a large amount of dirt particles can attach to the activated carbon. After a while, the activated carbon becomes saturated by the adsorption and has to be replaced. An example of a water treatment plant that works on the basis of activated carbon is the Poseidon. 

Molecular adsorption

Another form of adsorption is molecular adsorptiojavascript:void(0);n. This involves adsorption of substances in a column filled with ceramic substrate with a specific coating. The coating depends on the molecules that have to be removed. The coating gives the ceramic substrate a charge, which results in a 'loaded sieve' that filters the water. An example of a water purification installation that works on the basis of molecular adsorption is the Opticlear Diamond.

The difference between adsorption and absorption

The terms 'adsorption' and 'absorption' are sometimes used interchangeably, but this is not the same. In adsorption, the molecules attach themselves to the adsorbent (i.e. the dirt particles attach themselves to the activated carbon). When absorbed, the molecules are absorbed correctly. A good example of absorption is for example a sponge: it absorbs the water.
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Adsorption as a water purification technology

Adsorption is a water purification technology where water gets purified when molecules in the water to be purified attach to the surface of a solid substance that is added to the water. This solid matter works like a kind of magnet for the dirty parts: they are attracted to it and stick to it. Subsequently, the solid matter with the attached dirt particles is sieved from the water. 
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Joshua Reijnen
Joshua Reijnen
Technical specialist Water engineering | June 13, 2021 | 2 min. reading time
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Water technology

Adsorption with activated carbon

The solid substance often used for water treatment with adsorption is activated carbon. This is called the adsorption. This substance has a large surface area, so that a large amount of dirt particles can attach to the activated carbon. After a while, the activated carbon becomes saturated by the adsorption and has to be replaced. An example of a water treatment plant that works on the basis of activated carbon is the Poseidon. 

Molecular adsorption

Another form of adsorption is molecular adsorptiojavascript:void(0);n. This involves adsorption of substances in a column filled with ceramic substrate with a specific coating. The coating depends on the molecules that have to be removed. The coating gives the ceramic substrate a charge, which results in a 'loaded sieve' that filters the water. An example of a water purification installation that works on the basis of molecular adsorption is the Opticlear Diamond.

The difference between adsorption and absorption

The terms 'adsorption' and 'absorption' are sometimes used interchangeably, but this is not the same. In adsorption, the molecules attach themselves to the adsorbent (i.e. the dirt particles attach themselves to the activated carbon). When absorbed, the molecules are absorbed correctly. A good example of absorption is for example a sponge: it absorbs the water.
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Joshua Reijnen will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Joshua Reijnen
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