Why is it important for GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) to have a high iodine rating?

Having a high iodine rating for Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is crucial because it indicates the material's capacity for adsorption, which is directly related to its surface area. The iodine number is a measure of the micropore activity of activated carbon, reflecting how much iodine can be adsorbed by a given mass of carbon. A higher iodine rating signifies that the carbon possesses a larger internal surface area, which allows it to effectively trap and hold contaminants, including chlorine and organic compounds, from water.

This property is essential in applications such as water treatment where effective removal of aggressive compounds is required. The larger the surface area for adsorption, the more efficient the GAC will be in purifying the water, ensuring a higher quality outcome.