Which method of pollutant removal involves the adhesion of atoms from a liquid?

The method of pollutant removal that involves the adhesion of atoms from a liquid is adsorption. This process is characterized by the accumulation of molecules or particles at the surface of a solid material, resulting in a concentrated layer. In adsorption, the adsorbate (the substance being removed) adheres to the surface of the adsorbent (the material facilitating the adsorption) through physical or chemical interactions.

This method is commonly used in water treatment and air purification applications. For instance, activated carbon is frequently employed as an adsorbent to remove pollutants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and various toxins from water and air, demonstrating its effectiveness in adhering contaminant particles and purifying a medium.

Other methods mentioned, such as electrodialysis and reverse osmosis, involve the separation of ions or molecules through membranes and do not primarily focus on the adhesion process characteristic of adsorption. Precipitation, meanwhile, refers to the formation of a solid from a solution and does not involve adhesion at a molecular level in the same way that adsorption does. Therefore, adsorption is clearly the appropriate choice when discussing the adhesion of atoms or molecules from a liquid.