A special problem with granular activated carbon filters is the rapid growth of which microorganisms?

A special problem with granular activated carbon filters is the rapid growth of which microorganisms?

• A. Helminths
• B. Amoebas
• C. Algae
• D. Bacteria

Answer: (D)

Granular activated carbon provides a huge, intricate surface with many micro-niches where nutrients from dissolved organics accumulate. That combination encourages microorganisms to colonize the carbon and form biofilms, with bacteria multiplying rapidly on the filter media. This rapid bacterial growth in BAC filters is a well-known issue because it can affect filter performance and water quality if not managed through proper backwashing and consistent disinfection. The other organisms listed don’t typically proliferate so quickly in dark, enclosed carbon media—algae need light, while amoebas and helminths aren’t the usual rapid-growth problem in these filters.

Granular activated carbon provides a huge, intricate surface with many micro-niches where nutrients from dissolved organics accumulate. That combination encourages microorganisms to colonize the carbon and form biofilms, with bacteria multiplying rapidly on the filter media. This rapid bacterial growth in BAC filters is a well-known issue because it can affect filter performance and water quality if not managed through proper backwashing and consistent disinfection. The other organisms listed don’t typically proliferate so quickly in dark, enclosed carbon media—algae need light, while amoebas and helminths aren’t the usual rapid-growth problem in these filters.