The process of adsorption in activated carbon is mainly responsible for which of the following outcomes?

Adsorption is a process where molecules from a liquid, gas, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface, in this case, the surface of activated carbon. Activated carbon is highly porous, and its extensive surface area allows it to effectively capture and hold various contaminants, including organic compounds that contribute to odors in water.

When water passes through activated carbon, the odor-causing substances interact with the carbon surface and become attached to it, thereby reducing their concentration in the water and effectively removing the unpleasant smells. This property makes activated carbon a popular choice in water treatment for applications aimed at improving taste and odor.

Other options, while related to water treatment, relate to different processes. For example, color change in water is often managed through other filtration methods or chemical treatments rather than adsorption. The filtration of bacteria and disinfection of viruses typically require different approaches, such as the use of membranes or chemical disinfectants, rather than solely reliance on adsorption by activated carbon. Thus, the primary outcome associated with the process of adsorption in activated carbon is indeed the removal of odors from water.