What decontamination method involves a contaminant bonding chemically with another substance?

The correct answer is the method of adsorption. This process involves the physical adherence of molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface, resulting in a film of the adsorbate on the adsorbent surface. In essence, it is the mechanism through which contaminants bond chemically to another substance, which can be beneficial in removing hazardous materials from various environments.

Adsorption is a critical technique in hazardous materials cleanup because it allows for the removal of contaminants from the air and water by using materials that can attract and hold onto those harmful substances. Common adsorbents include activated carbon and silica gel, which have large surface areas that enhance their ability to capture and retain contaminants.

In contrast, absorption refers to the process where a contaminant is taken up into the bulk of another substance (like a sponge soaking up water), while extraction typically involves pulling out a substance from a mixture. Filtration is a separate process that separates solids from liquids or gases using a medium that allows only the fluid to pass through. Each of these processes addresses contamination differently, but adsorption is specifically focused on the chemical bonding of contaminants to surfaces.