The main mechanism through which contaminants are retained on the surface of GAC is physical adsorption and, as such, it is reversible. The graphite structure of AC means this solid can withstand very high temperatures, as well as brusque temperature changes.

Based on these properties, there are methods known as reactivation or regeneration that can be used to eliminate the compounds that have been adsorbed by the GAC and re-establish its initial properties so it can be reused. This process normally costs 60% to 70% of the price of virgin carbon.