Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a process that is used to remove impurities from water by forcing the water through a semipermeable membrane. In the process, the membrane filters out the impurities, leaving behind clean, purified water. RO is commonly used in drinking water systems, aquariums, industrial processes, and medical treatments. The process is simple and efficient, making it a popular choice for many applications.
RO begins by pressurizing water on one side of the membrane. The pressure forces the water molecules through the membrane, while the impurities are filtered out. The clean water is then collected on the other side of the membrane. RO can remove a variety of impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. It can also remove salts, which can be beneficial in treating water for industrial processes or aquariums.
The process of RO is not perfect, however. While it is effective at removing impurities, some dissolved minerals can pass through the membrane. This can result in water that has a slightly salty taste, which can be unpleasant to some people. Additionally, RO systems require a significant amount of energy to operate, and therefore come with a higher cost than other filtration systems.