Ultimate Guide to Filter Media for Removing All Types of Water Impurities
Clean, safe water isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. Whether you’re running a municipal treatment plant or an industrial water system, removing impurities effectively requires the right filter media.
At Starke Aquacare Technologies, we supply a wide range of high-performance filtration media designed to tackle all major categories of impurities: physical, chemical, biological, and more. Our media are manufactured and tested to meet IS and AWWA B100 standards, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance globally.
Let’s explore a detailed breakdown of common water impurities and the most suitable filtration media to remove them.
1. Physical Impurities (Turbidity, Sediment, Suspended Solids)
Physical impurities are the most visible contaminants in untreated water. They cloud water with suspended solids like silt, sand, and clay, and can clog pipes and downstream systems if not properly filtered.
Common Physical Impurities & Media
| Impurity | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Sand, silt, clay, debris | Silica Sand, Quartz Sand, River Sand |
| Fine suspended solids | Anthracite, Garnet, Pumice |
| Colored turbidity | Zeolite (Purozite) |
| Algae, plant matter | Multimedia Beds (Sand + Anthracite + Garnet) |
✅ Why Starke Media?
Our filter sands are carefully graded for optimal flow rate, and our zeolite-based Purozite handles even colored turbidity with high adsorption capacity.
2. Chemical Impurities
Chemical impurities often dissolve in water and require more advanced media to remove. These include metals, gases, pesticides, and industrial chemicals that can impact health and taste.
Common Chemical Impurities & Media
| Impurity | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺) | Manganese Dioxide (Starmnox), Greensand, Birm, Purozite |
| Manganese (Mn²⁺) | Manganese Dioxide, Greensand, Birm |
| Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) | Manganese Dioxide, Activated Carbon |
| Ammonia (NH₃) | Zeolite (Clinoptilolite), Purozite |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | Activated Carbon (Coconut Shell, Coal-based) |
| Pesticides / Herbicides | Activated Carbon |
| Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | Activated Carbon |
| Fluoride | Activated Alumina, Bone Char |
| Arsenic | Activated Alumina, Iron-coated Media |
| Heavy Metals | Ion Exchange Resin, Greensand, Activated Carbon (limited) |
| Nitrates/Nitrites | Anion Exchange Resin, Purozite (partially) |
| Tannins (coloring agents) | Anion Exchange Resin, Activated Carbon |
✅ Why Starke Media?
Our Starmnox Manganese Dioxide is specially manufactured for catalytic oxidation. Coconut-based activated carbon offers better VOC removal and organic adsorption. Purozite, our advanced natural zeolite, handles ammonia and color removal efficiently.
3. Biological Impurities
Biological contamination is a major concern in potable water and wastewater treatment systems. Left unchecked, it can cause disease outbreaks and affect the shelf life of processed water.
Common Biological Impurities & Media
| Impurity | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Bacteria, viruses, protozoa | Silver-impregnated Activated Carbon, Ceramic Filters |
| Algae | Multimedia Filters, Zeolite (Purozite) |
| Biofilm / Slime | Activated Carbon (with regular backwashing) |
✅ Why Starke Media?
Starke supplies silver-enhanced carbon and ceramic filter elements for microbial control. For plant-based organics and algae, multimedia beds offer sustained removal with low maintenance.
4. pH Correction / Alkalinity Adjustment
Water that’s too acidic or alkaline can corrode pipes, damage RO membranes, and create taste issues. Balancing pH is critical in both drinking water and industrial processes.
pH Control Solutions
| Requirement | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Raise pH (acidic) | Calcite, Corosex |
| Lower pH (alkaline) | Anion Resin, CO₂ Injection (non-media method) |
✅ Why Starke Media?
Our Calcite and Corosex grades are highly reactive and long-lasting. These are used in pH correction vessels, often layered above silica or quartz sand to ensure even distribution.
5. Dissolved Salts & Water Hardness
Hard water leads to scaling in pipelines, heaters, and boilers, reducing system efficiency. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) can also impact taste, process quality, and RO membrane life.
Hardness & TDS Media
| Impurity | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Calcium, Magnesium (Hardness) | Cation Exchange Resin (Softener) |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | Reverse Osmosis (membrane, not media) |
✅ Why Starke Media?
We supply high-capacity cation resins for softeners and can guide plant designers on pre-filtration setups for RO units, ensuring longer membrane life and consistent TDS control.
6. Oil and Grease (Industrial Wastewater)
Oil-laden effluents from industries like refineries, textile units, and food processing pose serious filtration challenges.
Oil & Grease Media
| Impurity | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Free oil / Hydrocarbons / Grease | Walnut Shell Media, Organoclay, Activated Carbon |
✅ Why Starke Media?
Our Walnut Shell Media is extensively used in oily water separators, especially in ETP/STP systems. It has high resistance to oil fouling and can be backwashed effectively.
Specialty & Industrial Impurities
Some processes, especially in nuclear, mining, or chemical industries, involve impurities not commonly found in general water streams.
Specialty Impurities & Media
| Impurity | Recommended Filter Media |
|---|---|
| Radioactive elements | Ion Exchange Resin, Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) |
| Silica (dissolved) | Anion Exchange Resin |
| BOD/COD reduction | Activated Carbon, Biological Filters |
✅ Why Starke Media?
We provide specialized resins and advanced activated carbon tailored for removing BOD/COD and radioactive particles. These are supported by technical data sheets and third-party certifications.
Starke’s Global Reach & Compliance
Our media are exported to over 25+ countries including the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Every shipment includes:
Batch-wise test reports
MSDS & COA documentation
IS and AWWA B100 compliance
Packing options: 25 kg / 50 kg / Jumbo bags
Starke’s Media Packaging and Customization
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Packing | HDPE Bags, PP Laminated Bags, Jumbo Bags |
| Branding | Customizable with your logo or neutral white labeling |
| Loading | Container-wise loading plans available |
| MOQ | No minimum for domestic; container loads for export |
We assist clients with container optimization charts for freight efficiency.
Why Choose Starke for Filter Media?
✅ Tested Quality – Media that meets or exceeds IS & AWWA B100
✅ Wide Range – From sand to activated carbon to ion exchange resins
✅ Global Supply – Exporting to 25+ countries with documentation support
✅ End-to-End Solutions – Technical support, design help, freight management
✅ Proven Performance – Trusted by OEMs, EPC contractors, and utility boards
Ready to Upgrade Your Water Filtration?
No matter the water source or the industry, Starke Filter Media has a tested, certified solution. Get in touch for:
Technical consultations
Product datasheets
Sample testing
Bulk order pricing
📧 Email: starkeaqua@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.starkefiltermedia.com
Choosing the right filter media is not only about removing impurities it’s about ensuring compliance, reliability, and performance in every drop. With decades of experience and a proven portfolio, Starke empowers water treatment companies worldwide with world-class media and technical expertise.