Comparative Study of the Activated Carbons: Part-i: Characteristics Reported versus Prescribed

It is found from literature that the activated carbon prepared from various raw materials are being examined and reported for more characteristics than prescribed under the relevant IS codes. However, some of the characteristics prescribed by the IS codes are not being examined by the earlier investigators. A database comprising the physico-chemical characteristics of the activated carbon prepared from various raw materials is generated from literature and is compared with the limits prescribed under two specific types of activated carbon (for water treatment under IS 2752:1995, and for decolonization of pharmaceuticals under IS 8366:1989). It is found that, only 11.54% to 36.36% of the activated carbons for which data is reported are complying with at least one characteristic. It is concluded from the present study that, (i) a separate IS code is desirable for defining the suitability of activated carbon for wastewater treatment; (ii) identification of characteristics for the activated carbon prepared from a specific raw material category is desirable; (iii) a standard/common method should be prescribed for the preparation for commercially available activated carbon; and (iv) a possible reexamination of the characteristics selected and prescribed under IS 2752:1995 and IS 8366:1989.