Economy2025
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 synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
The correct option states that both Statement II and Statement III are correct and explain the efficacy of activated carbon as mentioned in Statement I. Activated carbon’s large surface area enhances its ability to adsorb a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, thus validating its role in pollution removal and remediation efforts. Moreover, its synthesis from environmental wastes aligns with sustainable practices, thereby reinforcing its attractiveness as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for industrial effluent treatment. This understanding is significant for UPSC Prelims as it links environmental science with sustainable development concepts essential for public administration and policy-making.