What is a common method used to control odor in water treatment plants?

Activated carbon filtration is widely used to control odor in water treatment plants due to its unique properties that enable it to adsorb organic compounds and volatile substances that contribute to unpleasant smells. The surface of activated carbon is highly porous, providing a large area for adsorption to occur, allowing it to effectively capture and remove odor-causing agents from the water. This method is particularly effective in treating water that has been affected by organic pollutants or sewage, where odors can be quite pronounced.

In contrast, reverse osmosis is primarily used to remove dissolved solids, salts, and contaminants based on size exclusion rather than targeting odor specifically. Chemical coagulation focuses on the aggregation of particles and removing suspended solids, which may not directly address odor issues. Microfiltration, while effective in removing larger particulates and microorganisms, does not typically engage with the small organic molecules that cause odors. Therefore, activated carbon filtration stands out as a method specifically tailored for odor control in water treatment applications.