8.3.3 Adsorption

Adsorption is primarily used to improve water quality through the accumulation of substances at the interface between two phases, such as a liquid and a solid, due to chemical and physicochemical interactions. The solid on which adsorption occurs is called the adsorbent. Activated carbon is an excellent adsorbent.

Adsorption is commonly used to remove organic contaminants such as herbicides, pesticides, algal toxins and metabolites; it is also used to remove compounds that may have an adverse impact on the taste and odour of water.