What is the primary role of activated carbon in wastewater treatment?

Activated carbon plays a crucial role in wastewater treatment primarily through its ability to adsorb organic compounds. The process of adsorption involves the accumulation of molecules from the wastewater onto the surface of the activated carbon. This characteristic makes activated carbon effective in removing a wide range of organic pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and solvents, which are often difficult to remove using conventional treatment methods.

By improving the removal of these pollutants, activated carbon helps in enhancing the overall quality of the treated water. This makes it a valuable component in various stages of wastewater treatment processes, especially in advanced treatment settings where achieving low concentrations of contaminants is essential for protecting the environment and human health.

In contrast, while the other choices involve different aspects of wastewater treatment, they do not accurately capture the primary function of activated carbon. Heavy metals are typically removed through other specialized methods, disinfection usually requires chemical agents or UV light rather than activated carbon, and aeration is a process aimed at increasing oxygen levels rather than involving adsorption. Hence, the focus on organic compound adsorption highlights the specific and vital role of activated carbon in the treatment process.