In water treatment, what is the effect of using activated carbon?

Using activated carbon in water treatment is primarily effective in controlling tastes and odors. Activated carbon is highly porous and has a large surface area, which allows it to effectively adsorb various organic compounds, chlorine, and other substances that contribute to unpleasant tastes and odors in water. This property makes it widely used in both municipal water treatment facilities and point-of-use systems such as home filters.

Furthermore, while activated carbon does play a role in other aspects of water treatment, its most notable impact is on improving the sensory quality of water by removing objectionable tastes and odors. This characteristic is crucial for ensuring that drinking water is palatable and meets consumer standards. The effectiveness of activated carbon in adsorbing these compounds can significantly enhance the overall user experience with treated water.