When filtering water, charcoal carbon filters are most effective at removing chlorine, particles such as sediment, volatile organic compounds,taste and odor. They are not effective at removing minerals, salts, and dissolved inorganic substances.

Similar to other methods of filtering water, the filter removes particles larger than the size of the pores in the filter material. Typically bacteria, protozoa, and microbial cysts are removed. However, filters are typically not effective against viruses since they are small enough to pass through to the "clean" side of the filter

Coconut shells are a purer form of carbon compared to coal and wood filters. Other forms of activated carbon can add to an off-putting taste from inorganic ash, whereas coconut carbon is more tightly structured and won’t leach.

Ground-up cilantro can be inserted into a tube into which water is passed through. The cilantro allows the water to trickle out but absorbs metals, leaving cleaner drinking water.

Wastewater can be converted into drinking water in an organic process starting with algae. The algae remove ammonia, phosphate and nitrate, significantly reducing the pathogen load.

Moringa oleifera is an alternative, since their seeds contain a natural coagulant able to effectively reduce the turbidity of the raw water.

The fern removes heavy metal and oil pollutants from contaminated waters, converting them into biomass.

Filter Gravel is an extremely effective filter media because of its ability to hold back precipitates containing impurities. Filter sand size, angularity and hardness are the important filter sand characteristics to ensure proper filtering.

Celery removes heavy metals much like Moringa. When you filter water with celery a little bit of the celery mixes with the water and makes celery water. The celery water is very healthy.