Activated carbon removes impurities causing tastes and odors in water

Steps:

• Recall that carbon in water treatment refers to activated carbon, which has a porous structure for adsorption.
• Identify the primary role: it binds organic compounds and chemicals that affect sensory qualities.
• Evaluate choices: A involves filtration, B targets nitrates via ion exchange, D uses chlorination or UV, leaving C as the match.
• Confirm via process: adsorption selectively removes volatile organics without altering other parameters.

Why C is correct:

• Activated carbon adsorbs organic molecules responsible for unpleasant tastes and odors, as defined by its high surface area (up to 3000 m²/g) enabling physical binding.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Mud and solids are removed by sedimentation or filtration, not carbon.
• B: Nitrates require reverse osmosis or ion exchange resins, not carbon.
• D: Bacteria are killed by disinfection methods like chlorination, not carbon adsorption.

Final answer: C