Activated carbon combats taste and odors by which process?

• A. adsorbtion
• B. oxidation
• C. absorbtion
• D. chlorination

Answer: (A)

Taste and odor removal with activated carbon happens mainly through adsorption: odor- and taste-causing molecules cling to the extensive surface area of the carbon and are held on the surface by weak forces. The carbon’s porous structure provides countless sites for these molecules to attach, so they’re removed from the water or air as it passes through. This is different from absorption, where substances enter the interior of a material, and from processes like oxidation or chlorination, which rely on chemical reactions or adding chemicals. By sticking to the surface, the odor- and flavor-causing compounds are effectively removed, making adsorption the key mechanism here.