Which material is commonly used as an adsorbent for hazardous substances?

Activated carbon is widely recognized for its ability to adsorb hazardous substances effectively. Its surface area is significantly larger than that of many other materials, which allows it to capture and hold a variety of pollutants, toxins, and chemicals from liquids and gases. The porous structure of activated carbon creates numerous cavities and surface sites that enhance its adsorptive capabilities, making it especially useful in environmental cleanup and spill response scenarios.

In the context of hazardous material management, using activated carbon can help mitigate the impacts of spills by binding harmful substances, thereby preventing them from spreading and causing further contamination. This property is crucial in situations involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that pose risks to human health and the environment.

Other materials listed, such as sand, clay, and earth, while they may have some absorptive properties, do not perform with the same level of efficiency and specificity as activated carbon when it comes to hazardous substance management.