What role does activated carbon play in water treatment?

Activated carbon plays a crucial role in water treatment primarily through its ability to adsorb organic compounds. This characteristic allows it to effectively remove various impurities, including undesirable tastes and odors. The high surface area and porosity of activated carbon make it particularly effective as an adsorbent, which means that it attracts and holds onto various molecules from the water.

In water treatment processes, activated carbon is often used in both granular and powdered forms. When water passes through activated carbon filters, organic substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chlorine compounds are captured. This not only improves the aesthetic quality of the water but also contributes to the overall safety and palatability of drinking water.

While activated carbon is excellent for the adsorption of organic materials and the removal of impurities, it does not filter out inorganic substances, add minerals to the water, or disinfect bacteria and viruses, which are the functions of other treatment methods or materials. This particular focus on the adsorption capability highlights why it plays such a vital role in improving water quality.