The quality of the activated carbon is heavily influenced by the source of the coconut shells. Ensure that the coconut shells used are of high quality and free from contaminants, as this can impact the final product's effectiveness.

1. The activation process greatly affects the characteristics of the activated carbon. There are two common activation methods: physical activation (e.g., steam activation) and chemical activation. Steam activation is preferred as it produces high-quality activated carbon with larger surface areas and excellent adsorption properties.

2. The efficiency of activated carbon depends on its surface area and pore structure. Higher surface area and a well-developed pore structure (micropores and mesopores) contribute to better adsorption capacity. The surface area is usually measured in square meters per gram (m²/g).

3. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon determines its ability to remove impurities. It is measured by parameters like iodine number (mg/g) and methylene blue (mg/g). Higher values indicate better adsorption capabilities.

4. Low ash content is essential for high-quality activated carbon. Excess ash can lead to undesirable side reactions and reduce the active sites available for adsorption.

5. The pH and moisture content can influence the chemical properties and stability of activated carbon. Ensure that the pH is within an appropriate range, and the moisture content is minimized for better storage and handling.