What process defines Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology in modern water purification systems?
Answer
Using pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, resulting in the removal of dissolved salts and minerals.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) represents a sophisticated, modern approach to tackling dissolved substances rather than just suspended particles. The core mechanism involves applying significant external pressure to the contaminated water source. This pressure forces the water molecules across a specially designed semi-permeable membrane. This membrane possesses pores fine enough to allow water molecules to pass through but block larger dissolved ions, salts, and minerals. The result is highly purified water that can even render brackish water potable, effectively achieving desalination or demineralization on a functional scale.
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