What is reverse osmosis in wastewater treatment?

Reverse osmosis is a membrane filtration process used in wastewater treatment that effectively removes a wide range of contaminants from water. The method employs a semipermeable membrane that allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules, salts, and other impurities. This process is crucial for achieving high levels of purification, making it especially useful for treating water that must meet stringent quality standards before being discharged or reused.

In particular, reverse osmosis is capable of removing dissolved substances, including salts, heavy metals, and other organic and inorganic contaminants that cannot be effectively filtered out by traditional physical treatment processes. The significance of this technology lies in its ability to produce high-quality water, which is essential for various applications, including potable water production and industrial processes.