Powdered carbon comes in the form of particles with dimensions between 10 and 50 mm and is most often used in combination with clarification treatments. Continuously introduced into the water with the flocculation reagents, it is inserted into the flocs and is then extracted from the water with them (sludge).

Powdered activated carbon (PAC-WIA) exhibits faster kinetics and greater contaminant removal capacity, compared to other carbons with larger particle sizes.