How does reverse osmosis work?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that relies on the application of pressure to overcome osmotic pressure. In this process, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that allows only certain molecules, such as water, to pass through while rejecting larger molecules and contaminants, including salts, bacteria, and other impurities.

The fundamental principle behind reverse osmosis involves moving water from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, which is the opposite of natural osmosis. By applying pressure greater than the osmotic pressure, the water molecules can migrate through the membrane into the less concentrated solution, effectively removing impurities.

This method is critical in various applications, including desalination, wastewater treatment, and purification of drinking water, making it a highly effective technique in managing water quality. The use of pressure as a driving force distinguishes reverse osmosis from other filtration methods that rely on gravity or passive processes.