Reverse Osmosis and Water Purification
1. Introduction
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by applying
pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. This process removes
dissolved salts, bacteria, and other impurities, making water safe for consumption.
Reverse osmosis is widely used in domestic, industrial, and commercial applications for producing
clean drinking water and purifying wastewater.
2. Working Principle
Reverse osmosis works by applying external pressure to overcome the natural osmotic pressure,
forcing water from a concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane to a less
concentrated solution.
Steps involved in RO:
- **Pre-filtration**: Removes larger particles and sediments.
- **High-pressure pump**: Applies pressure to push water through the membrane.
- **Semipermeable membrane**: Allows only water molecules to pass, blocking contaminants.
- **Post-treatment**: Further purification for improved taste and quality.
3. Advantages of Reverse Osmosis
- Removes up to 99% of dissolved salts, bacteria, and harmful chemicals.
- Improves taste, odor, and clarity of water.
- No need for chemical additives for purification.
- Cost-effective compared to bottled water.
4. Applications of Reverse Osmosis in Water Purification
- **Drinking water purification**: Used in households and offices.
- **Desalination**: Converts seawater into fresh water.
- **Industrial water treatment**: Used in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and power plants.
1. Introduction
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by applying
pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. This process removes
dissolved salts, bacteria, and other impurities, making water safe for consumption.
Reverse osmosis is widely used in domestic, industrial, and commercial applications for producing
clean drinking water and purifying wastewater.
2. Working Principle
Reverse osmosis works by applying external pressure to overcome the natural osmotic pressure,
forcing water from a concentrated solution through a semipermeable membrane to a less
concentrated solution.
Steps involved in RO:
- **Pre-filtration**: Removes larger particles and sediments.
- **High-pressure pump**: Applies pressure to push water through the membrane.
- **Semipermeable membrane**: Allows only water molecules to pass, blocking contaminants.
- **Post-treatment**: Further purification for improved taste and quality.
3. Advantages of Reverse Osmosis
- Removes up to 99% of dissolved salts, bacteria, and harmful chemicals.
- Improves taste, odor, and clarity of water.
- No need for chemical additives for purification.
- Cost-effective compared to bottled water.
4. Applications of Reverse Osmosis in Water Purification
- **Drinking water purification**: Used in households and offices.
- **Desalination**: Converts seawater into fresh water.
- **Industrial water treatment**: Used in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and power plants.
