What property of anthracite makes it suitable for water filtration?

The suitability of anthracite for water filtration largely stems from its high carbon content. Anthracite is a type of coal that has been subjected to high pressure over millions of years, resulting in a carbon content of about 86-97%. This substantial carbon composition is essential because it provides a porous structure that enhances the filtration process by allowing water to flow through while capturing impurities.

The high carbon content also plays a significant role in the adsorption capacities of the material. It can effectively remove contaminants like dissolved organic compounds and certain metals from the water. Furthermore, because it is a dense form of carbon, anthracite remains stable and does not break down easily during the filtration process, which contributes to a longer life and effectiveness as a filtration medium compared to other materials.

Other properties listed, such as compressibility, resistance to chemical breakdown, and low density, do not attribute to the effectiveness of anthracite in the filtration process in the same way. The high carbon content stands out as the key characteristic that makes anthracite particularly effective for water filtration purposes.