Adsorption of UV-quenching substances (UVQS) from landfill leachate with activated carbon

•UVQS is adsorbed by PAC through both non-electrostatic and electrostatic mechanisms.•PAC preferentially adsorbs strongly chromophoric UVQS molecules in leachate.•Abatement of UV254 absorbance by PAC is greater than the removal of COD or DOC.•Residual UV254 absorbance is correlated with residual COD and DOC after adsorption.•Activated carbon adsorption is a viable technology to alleviate leachate UVQS.