Which statement best describes the purpose of activated carbon in water treatment?

Which statement best describes the purpose of activated carbon in water treatment?

• A. To remove taste and odors primarily through adsorption
• B. To disinfect by killing microorganisms
• C. To oxidize contaminants for removal
• D. To add minerals for taste

Answer: (A)

Activated carbon works as a polishing filter that targets taste- and odor-causing compounds by adsorption. Its porous structure provides a large surface area where organic molecules and volatile compounds adhere to the carbon, removing them from the water and improving palatability. This is different from disinfection, which uses chemicals to kill microorganisms, and from oxidation, which breaks down contaminants with oxidants like chlorine or ozone. It also doesn’t add minerals for taste. So the best description is removing taste and odors primarily through adsorption.

Activated carbon works as a polishing filter that targets taste- and odor-causing compounds by adsorption. Its porous structure provides a large surface area where organic molecules and volatile compounds adhere to the carbon, removing them from the water and improving palatability. This is different from disinfection, which uses chemicals to kill microorganisms, and from oxidation, which breaks down contaminants with oxidants like chlorine or ozone. It also doesn’t add minerals for taste. So the best description is removing taste and odors primarily through adsorption.