What is a characteristic of granulated media filters when used for contaminants?

Granulated media filters are designed to remove various contaminants through a process of trapping particles in the filter media. One of the key characteristics of these filters is that their effectiveness can be compromised when the concentration of solids in the influent water exceeds a certain level.

When solids are too abundant, they can clog the spaces between granules, leading to reduced flow rates and decreased filtration efficiency. This is because the filter cannot adequately maintain its filtration function when overwhelmed with particulates. As a result, the untreated contaminants may pass through the filter, diminishing its overall performance. This characteristic highlights the importance of monitoring influent water quality to ensure that it falls within acceptable limits for filtration to be effective.

The other choices do not accurately capture this foundational aspect of granulated media filters. They may imply conditions that are not inherent to the functioning of these filters compared to their design and operational principles.