The black particles are parts of one of AQUA BLUE H20 's filter media, the activated carbon.

The granulated activated carbon is made of coconut shells. Like each natural product, coconut shells are subject to natural variances regarding product quality.

This can lead to abrasion of parts of the carbon into your filtered water. To eradicate any carbon dust which may be present, preparation of your cartridge is crucial.

Please prepare as per your cartridge instructions or see "How to prepare your cartridge".

Please be assured that the contents of the cartridge are food grade and completely harmless to yourself and if accidentally consumed will be harmless to health.