What scientific proof is there that carbon removes things?

[Cory]

I've always accepted that carbon removes yellowing compounds because of visual proof. However if you place carbon in water the dust that suspends makes the water look darker, and subsequently clearer.

Is there any proof?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, there is lots of documented evidence of what is removed from known samples of chemicals. You make a solution with a known concentration of something, then add GAC, stir, and reanalyze for the compound.

Mostly from fresh water, but some in seawater. It is also used in chemistry labs and many industries to remove certain things from water or even organic solvents.

 

[Cory]

Have they ever weighed carbon before and after to proof it's absorbed something? Or burned it to measure the ash or gas that comes off?

 

[tjgr34]

Have they ever weighed carbon before and after to proof it's absorbed something? Or burned it to measure the ash or gas that comes off?

Yes, they've done that. A bunch. Here's one of the links I found on google. Adsorption of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) onto activated carbon. There are tons and tons of papers like this for a whole bunch of different chemicals. For more anecdotal evidence of carbon's absorptive properties, they jam it into people's stomachs when they've eaten poisonous substances to sop those substances up before they kill the person.

 

[Cory]

Thanks. I guess I'm going to keep using it!

 

[Mike in CT]

If you consume some poisons ( not recommended) and go to the hospital, they give you a slurry of activated carbon to eat so it can absorb poison. Proof it works?? The insurance company pays for it without prior approval... Lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Activated carbon is a very well established and mature science.