How do most activated carbon treatments work to improve water quality?

Activated carbon treatments primarily function through the process of adsorption, where organic compounds present in water adhere to the surface of the carbon particles. The porous structure of activated carbon provides a large surface area, making it highly effective for trapping a wide range of contaminants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and various industrial chemicals.

By adsorbing these organic compounds, activated carbon effectively removes them from the water, thus improving overall water quality. This process does not add any materials to the water, nor does it directly influence microbial activity or clarify turbidity, which are aspects related to different water treatment techniques. Instead, the focus of activated carbon treatment is to purify water by removing harmful or undesirable organic substances, making it a vital method in water treatment and purification systems.