Filter Media Types and Applications: The Foundation of Effective Water Treatment
Whether you’re a water treatment engineer, plant operator, or a student studying environmental sciences, understanding filter media types and their applications is essential. These materials form the backbone of filtration systems across municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors.
At Starke Filter Media, we offer a complete range of certified filtration materials designed for optimum performance across all major water treatment applications.
What Is Filter Media in Water Treatment?
Filter media are materials used to remove contaminants, sediments, and suspended particles from water. They are selected based on factors such as:
Contaminant type
Flow rate
Filtration depth
Water chemistry
Application (potable water, wastewater, industrial process, etc.)
Let’s explore the most commonly used filter media types and where they’re applied.
1. Silica Sand Filter Media
Applications:
Pressure sand filters
Residential water treatment
Pre-treatment for RO plants
Swimming pool filtration
Features:
Effective for suspended solids and turbidity removal
Affordable and widely available
Meets AWWA B100 standards
2. Activated Carbon (Coconut Shell Based)
Applications:
Chlorine and odor removal
Color and organic compound reduction
Polishing filter in drinking water treatment
Beverage and food industry
Features:
High iodine value for better adsorption
Removes taste and odor-causing substances
Available as GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) and PAC (Powdered Activated Carbon)
3. Zeolite Filter Media
Applications:
Ammonia and nitrogen removal
Aquaculture and fish farming
Effluent treatment plants (ETPs)
Features:
High cation exchange capacity (CEC)
Ideal for swimming pools and aquarium filters
Lightweight with micro-porous surface
4. Garnet Filter Media
Applications:
Bottom layer in multimedia filters
Industrial wastewater treatment
High turbidity and TSS removal
Features:
High density (~4.0 g/cm³)
Fine particle retention (5–10 microns)
Excellent for layered filtration systems
5. Anthracite Coal Media
Applications:
Multimedia filters in municipal water treatment
Surface water filtration
Cooling tower filtration
Features:
Low density, sits on top of multimedia beds
Traps larger particles
Supports deep-bed filtration when combined with sand and garnet
6. Gravel (Support Media)
Applications:
Support layer in all types of filtration systems
Underdrain protection in sand and multimedia filters
Features:
Ranges from 2 mm to 25 mm
Maintains flow uniformity
Prevents media migration and loss
7. Calcite Media (pH Correction)
Applications:
Groundwater pH neutralization
Post-treatment in RO systems
Features:
Raises low pH using calcium carbonate reaction
Safe for potable water
Easy to handle and install
8. Walnut Shell Filter Media
Applications:
Oil and grease removal from water
Petrochemical and refinery wastewater treatment
Car washes and stormwater systems
Features:
Durable, reusable, and natural
Effective in removing hydrocarbons
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
Filter Media Application Matrix
| Filter Media | Removes/Targets | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | Suspended solids, turbidity | Pools, RO pre-treatment, domestic filters |
| Activated Carbon | Odor, chlorine, organics | Drinking water, food industry |
| Zeolite | Ammonia, nitrogen | Aquaculture, STPs |
| Garnet | Fine solids (TSS) | ETPs, multimedia filters |
| Anthracite | Coarse solids | Municipal water treatment |
| Gravel | Structural support | Any filter requiring layer stability |
| Calcite | pH correction | Borewell water, RO post-treatment |
| Walnut Shell | Oil & hydrocarbons | Petrochemicals, vehicle wash stations |
FAQs: Filter Media and Their Uses
Can I mix different filter media?
Yes. Layered systems like multimedia filters use varying densities to enhance filtration performance.
How often should filter media be replaced?
Depends on application. For example:
Sand: 3–5 years
Carbon: 6–12 months
Garnet: 5–10 years
Is all filter media safe for drinking water?
Only if it’s chemically inert and certified (AWWA/NSF grade). Starke ensures all media meet these standards.
Conclusion: Filter Media Selection Drives Filtration Efficiency
Whether you’re treating groundwater, wastewater, or process water, the right filter media can make or break system performance. At Starke, we provide premium filter media that are tested, certified, and globally trusted.