Which of the following materials is typically used for absorption in hazardous material cleanup?

Activated carbon is often used for absorption in hazardous material cleanup due to its highly porous structure, which enables it to effectively capture and retain a wide variety of chemicals and contaminants. This material has a large surface area that allows it to adsorb (bind) hazardous substances, including volatile organic compounds and many toxic chemicals. This property makes activated carbon particularly useful in scenarios where quick and effective containment of spills is required, as it minimizes the risk of environmental contamination and exposure.

Water, while essential for many cleanup processes, is not suitable for absorption. It can spread the contaminant rather than contain or absorb it, particularly for hydrophobic or non-water-soluble substances.

Steel wool is primarily a cleaning tool and does not have the adsorption capabilities necessary for effective hazardous material cleanup. It may even introduce rust or other contaminants that could complicate the cleanup process.

Concrete is sometimes used to help contain spills or as a solidifying agent for certain materials, but it does not have the capacity to absorb chemicals in the way that activated carbon does. Its use is more about structural containment rather than absorption.

Thus, activated carbon stands out as the ideal choice for effective absorption in hazardous material situations.