Which of the following filtration processes would you choose to enhance the removal of organic substances from water?

The choice of an activated carbon filter to enhance the removal of organic substances from water is based on its unique properties and effectiveness in adsorption. Activated carbon has a highly porous structure, which provides a vast surface area for the adsorption of organic compounds. This makes it particularly effective for removing a wide range of organic pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and contaminants that are not easily filtered out by other methods.

Activated carbon works through a process called adsorption, where organic molecules adhere to the surface of the carbon granules. This is different from absorption, where a substance permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid. The affinity of organic compounds for carbon surfaces allows for effective capture, purification, and reduction of unpleasant odors and tastes in water.

In comparison, distillation, while effective for purifying water by utilizing phase change, primarily targets inorganic substances and certain volatile organic compounds, but it may not remove all organic contaminants effectively. Filtration through sand is primarily a physical process that removes larger particles and sediments but does not effectively capture smaller organic molecules. Reverse osmosis is excellent for removing dissolved solids and certain contaminants, yet it may not specifically target all organic compounds, especially if they are small or similar in size to water molecules.

Thus,