What issue can arise because PAC is a fine powder?

When PAC (Powdered Activated Carbon) is in fine powder form, it can create significant dust during handling and application. This dust can pose several challenges in a water treatment facility. For instance, airborne particles may lead to health hazards for workers, as inhaling fine powders can irritate the respiratory system. Additionally, the dust can cause issues with equipment, as it may settle on surfaces, creating a mess that requires additional cleaning efforts.

Moreover, the presence of dust may impact the efficacy of PAC itself. If the material is not properly controlled, a portion of the PAC may become airborne instead of being effectively utilized in the treatment process. This can lead to a loss of the intended treatment capability, as less PAC is available to adsorb contaminants from the water.

In contrast, the issue of increased efficiency is not applicable in this case as PAC dust can lead to less effective treatment due to the loss of material in the air. Easy cleaning is also not a relevant point when dusting is considered a problem. Lastly, reduced adsorption capacity is more related to the concentration of PAC in the treated water rather than its physical state as a fine powder.