What is the primary role of carbon in water treatment?

The primary role of carbon, particularly activated carbon, in water treatment is to remove tastes and odours from water. Activated carbon has a highly porous structure that provides a large surface area, allowing it to adsorb impurities, chemicals, and organic compounds that contribute to undesirable tastes and smells in water. This process is crucial in producing clean, palatable drinking water and is widely used in various filtration systems, including domestic water filters and municipal water treatment facilities.

While other processes in water treatment might address issues like heavy metals or hardness, the specific function of carbon adsorption focuses on improving the sensory qualities of water, making it more acceptable and pleasant for consumption. In this context, options related to temperature reduction or water softening do not pertain to the primary function of carbon in water treatment, as they involve different processes and materials.