What is activated carbon primarily used for in water treatment?

Activated carbon is primarily utilized in water treatment for removing taste and odor compounds. This is due to its highly porous structure, which provides a large surface area for adsorption. When water passes through activated carbon, impurities such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and certain inorganic substances bind to the carbon, effectively reducing undesirable tastes and odors. This process enhances the overall palatability of drinking water, making it more acceptable to consumers.

While activated carbon has some capability to remove certain heavy metals and organic contaminants, its primary function is in addressing aesthetic issues related to taste and smell. Other treatment methods are typically more effective for disinfecting water or filtering out microorganisms, focusing on different contaminants and using various mechanisms. Therefore, the primary role of activated carbon aligns most closely with the removal of taste and odor compounds.