Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: ✅ Option 1

Activated carbon is one of the most widely used adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment. Its effectiveness comes from its highly porous structure and enormous surface area, while its low-cost production from carbon-rich wastes makes it an attractive and sustainable pollution-control material.

✅ Statement I is Correct: Activated carbon is extensively used to remove pollutants from industrial effluents and contaminated water through adsorption.

✅ Statement II is Correct: Activated carbon has a very large surface area and strong adsorption capacity, enabling it to capture heavy metals and other pollutants efficiently.

✅ Statement III is Correct: Activated carbon can be produced from agricultural and environmental wastes such as coconut shells, rice husks, sawdust, and other carbon-rich materials.

✅ Statement II explains Statement I: Its large surface area and adsorption capacity make it effective in pollutant removal.

✅ Statement III explains Statement I: Easy and low-cost production from waste materials makes it an attractive and sustainable remediation tool.

Short Notes: Activated Carbon

• Activated carbon is a highly porous carbon material used as an adsorbent.

• It has a surface area that can exceed 1,000 m²/g.

• Used in water purification, air filtration, and wastewater treatment.

• Effective in removing heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, and organic pollutants.

• Common raw materials include coconut shells, wood, coal, and agricultural residues.

• Works mainly through the process of adsorption, not absorption.

• It is widely used in environmental remediation and pollution control.