Can Powdered Activated Carbon water filters remove oil contamination from water? does it kill bacteria?

Yes and no





activated carbon removes chlorine and chloramines (chemicals your water utility puts in water to slow bacteria growth) and activated carbon removes SOME organics. Some of the oils may be removed, but they may quickly saturate the activated carbon bed and pass through. Benzene and toluene are typical organics that are removed to some degree by AC beds.





As to bacteria, in fact activated carbon provides an excellent medium for bacteria to grow. AC is porous and since it is collecting organics, it provides water, food, and darkness. perfect for bacteria. And since you're removing agents that control bacterial growth in the first place, you should expect MUCH higher bacteria counts after an AC bed.





From my decade working with AC beds.Can Powdered Activated Carbon water filters remove oil contamination from water? does it kill bacteria?
powdered activated carbon doesn't necessarily kills the bacteria. it just simply filters the water, and oil may be one of the residues. have you tried scratching your pan, with stubborn grease, with ash (or powdered charcoal)? it's quite effective. Ash is one of the simplest forms of carbon.Can Powdered Activated Carbon water filters remove oil contamination from water? does it kill bacteria?
Oil contaminated water is usally treated with hydrogen Peroxide (concentrated, not the 3% type) and polymers.