Agriculture Activated Carbon
Activated charcoal is primarily utilized as a soil amendment, often in agricultural applications. Its porous structure provides an excellent capacity to adsorb (bind to its surface) a variety of chemical substances. Activated charcoal, when added to soil, can help to improve the structure of soil while also improving its water retention and aeration, and most importantly binds toxins, pesticides, and nutrients in excess. Adsorption decreases the bioavailability of heavy metals and toxic chemicals to plants and reduces negative impacts of these unwanted chemicals and can even bind compounds that negatively impact healthy functioning roots. Activated charcoal can also bind allelopathic compounds and organic acids, and so it could potentially improve the situation for anti-plant diseases and promote a suitable condition for beneficial microbial and root health.
Beyond soil, activated charcoal can be fed to livestock and poultry as an additive to animal feed. In small quantities, activated charcoal can bind toxins, bacteria, and mycotoxins in the digestive tract if added to animal feed and/or feed water supply. Feed additives can also provide benefits to digestive functionality and gut health when there is bloating or diarrhea, and reduce/ameliorate odorous smells that may be experienced once mixed into manure. Activated charcoal can also be utilized in composting to absorb odours and maybe bind unknown undesirable materials.
Soil Additive Activated Carbon
Activated carbon (AC) is used in soil additives mostly to adsorb and immobilize undesirable contaminants. The structure of AC is extremely porous and works like a highly effective sponge, binding organic contaminants (like pesticides, herbicides, PAHs, and industrial residues) along with certain heavy metals.
Aquaculture Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is vital in aquaculture water treatment systems and is primarily used in filtration components, including various fluidized bed filters, canister filters, and dedicated contact chambers.
