本文确定并讨论了颗粒活性炭（GAC）吸附容量评估中的潜在误差来源，特别关注了碳取样和制备、试验溶液的制备、GAC剂量、吸附质浓度和平衡时间的选择。吸附容量可能随颗粒大小而变化，但数据表明，这种情况并不总是发生。非均相溶液需要仔细选择GAC剂量和吸附质浓度，此类溶液的数据需要仔细解释。模型模拟用于说明接近平衡的重要性，并估计在各种条件下接近平衡所需的时间。 对于较大的GAC颗粒和缓慢扩散的吸附质，可能需要几年才能达到平衡。未能达到平衡可能会导致严重低估吸附容量。粉碎GAC可大大缩短达到平衡所需的时间，从而降低吸附质生物降解的可能性。（摘要也以西班牙语出现）包括36篇参考文献、表格、图表。

This paper identifies and discusses potential sources of error in evaluating the adsorptive capacity of granular activated carbon (GAC), with special attention given to carbon sampling and preparation, preparation of test solutions, and selection of GAC dosages, adsorbate concentration, and equilibration time. Adsorptive capacity can vary with particle size, but data are presented to show that this may not always occur. Heterogeneous solutions require careful selection of GAC dosages and adsorbate concentration, and the data for such solutions require careful interpretation. Model simulations are used to illustrate the importance of closely approaching equilibrium and to estimate the time required to approach equilibrium under various conditions. For large GAC particles and slowly diffusing adsorbates, several years may be required to reach equilibrium. Failure to reach equilibrium can result in a significant underestimation of adsorptive capacity. Pulverizing GAC greatly reduces the time required to reach equilibrium, thus reducing the possibility of biodegradation of the adsorbate. (Abstract also appears in Spanish) Includes 36 references, tables, figures.