A method for removing dissolved contaminants from solution using a surface-activated crystalline titanium oxide product having a high adsorptive capacity and a high rate of adsorption with respect to dissolved contaminants, in particular, arsenate and arsenite. Preferably, the titanium oxide product includes crystalline anatase having primary crystallite diameters in the range of 1-30 nm. The surface-activated titanium oxide is combined with other filter media to further improve the removal of dissolved contaminants.