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

Activated carbon is primarily used in water treatment to remove taste and odor. This process occurs through adsorption, where organic substances and chemicals that contribute to undesirable flavors or smells adhere to the surface of the activated carbon. The highly porous structure of activated carbon provides a large surface area, enhancing its ability to capture these contaminants effectively.

While activated carbon can have some ability to reduce certain impurities associated with taste and odor, its effectiveness against heavy metals, bacteria, and sediments is limited. Heavy metals typically require specific removal techniques such as ion exchange or precipitation, while bacteria are generally reduced through disinfection methods. Similarly, filtration systems are usually employed to remove sediments from water rather than relying on activated carbon. Therefore, the core functionality of activated carbon centers on enhancing the aesthetic qualities of water by addressing taste and odor issues.