Powdered activated carbon (PAC) has a relatively smaller particle size when compared to granular activated carbons and consequently, presents a large surface to volume ratio.

As such, PAC is not commonly used in a dedicated adsorber vessel, due to the high headloss that would occur. Instead, PAC is generally added directly to other process units, such as raw water intakes, rapid mix basins, clarifiers, and gravity filters.







Applications for powdered activated carbon include:

- Dechlorination/chloramine reduction
- Removal of organic contaminants
- Taste and odor reduction
- Disinfection-by-product (DBP) removal 
- Pesticide removal
- Landfill leachate
- Drinking water treatment
- Groundwater remediation
- Wastewater treatment