Activated Carbon Adsorption of the Odorous Compounds 2‐Methylisoborneol and Geosmin

Two primary causative agents, 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin, of earthy-musty odor in water supplies readily adsorb on granular activated carbon at the threshold odor limit, 0.1 /ig/l. Distilled water solutions and real and simulated natural water solutions were used in batch equilibrium tests and continuous flow column experiments. Most of the adsorbed compounds could be recovered by extraction of the carbon with dioxane. Solution pH has no major effect on adsorption, but the adsorption capacity of both compounds is significantly reduced by humic substances.