Effect of effluent organic matter on the adsorption of perfluorinated compounds onto activated carbon

► The presence of EfOM significantly reduced the adsorption capacities and rates of PFCs. ► Low-molecular-weight EfOM compounds (<1 kDa) compete for adsorption sites of PFSs directly. ► Large-molecular-weight EfOM compounds (>30 kDa) affect the adsorption through pore blockage or restriction effect. ► Changes in surface properties of PAC caused by preloaded EfOM could affect PFCs adsorption.