Consider the following statements:
- Statement I: Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries.
- Statement II: Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals.
- Statement III: Activated carbon can be easily synthesised from environmental wastes with high carbon content.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
- Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
- Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
- Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Explanation
Statements I and II are correct
- Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, active carbon, or active coal, is a highly purified form of carbon renowned for its exceptionally large surface area and intricate network of microscopic pores. These unique properties make it a powerful material for purifying liquids and gases in countless industrial and environmental applications. It can capture a wide array of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and water-based pollutants.
Statement III is correct
- Activated carbon, derived from carbon-rich materials like environmental wastes with high carbon content, wood, coconut shells, and coal. Statement II explains why activated carbon is effective (high surface area and adsorption). Statement III explains how it can be sustainably produced (from carbon-rich waste).
