What is the primary function of activated carbon in water treatment?

The primary function of activated carbon in water treatment is to aid in taste and odor control. Activated carbon is highly porous, providing a large surface area that effectively adsorbs a variety of contaminants, including organic compounds and chlorine, which are often responsible for unpleasant tastes and odors in water. This capability makes activated carbon widely used in both municipal water treatment facilities and home water filtration systems, as it enhances the overall palatability of the water.

While activated carbon does have some capacity to remove certain heavy metals and can help reduce bacteria to some extent, its most significant and widely recognized role is in the removal of taste and odor-causing substances. Unlike other treatment processes that may target specific contaminants or pathogens, activated carbon's strength lies in its ability to improve the overall sensory quality of the water, making it more appealing for consumption.