What is the purpose of using activated carbon in water treatment?

The use of activated carbon in water treatment primarily focuses on its ability to absorb impurities. Activated carbon is highly porous, which gives it a large surface area that can effectively trap and hold a variety of contaminants, including organic compounds, chlorine, pesticides, and some heavy metals. This absorption process is crucial in enhancing water quality by removing undesirable tastes, odors, and harmful substances that may be present in the water.

While activated carbon can have some auxiliary benefits, such as assisting with the reduction of certain bacteria through adsorption, its main function within the water treatment framework is to absorb impurities. This makes it an essential component in processes like drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and even in some industrial applications where the removal of contaminants is necessary to comply with health and safety standards.

The other choices, although relevant to various aspects of water treatment, do not capture the primary function of activated carbon as accurately as the ability to absorb impurities.