Activated carbon  is widely used in dechlorination, which is the process of removing chlorine from substances, most commonly water. This is because activated carbon has excellent adsorption properties, meaning it can attract and hold certain chemicals, including chlorine, on its surface.

 

Activated carbon is commonly used in water treatment facilities and home water filtration systems to remove chlorine. Chlorine is often added to water as a disinfectant, but it can leave an unpleasant taste and odor. It can also react with organic matter in the water to form potentially harmful byproducts. Activated carbon can effectively remove chlorine and these byproducts, improving the taste and safety of the water.

 

Activated carbon is also used to dechlorinate water in swimming pools and aquariums. In these settings, chlorine is used to kill harmful bacteria and algae, but it can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Activated carbon can be used to remove excess chlorine, making the water safe for aquatic life.

 

In certain industrial processes, chlorine is used for its disinfectant or bleaching properties. However, residual chlorine can be harmful or interfere with subsequent steps in the process. Activated carbon can be used to remove this residual chlorine.

 

In all of these applications, the activated carbon works by adsorption. The chlorine in the water binds to the activated carbon, effectively removing it from the water. Over time, the activated carbon will become saturated with chlorine and will need to be replaced.