What is the primary use of reverse osmosis in wastewater treatment?

Reverse osmosis is a crucial process in wastewater treatment, primarily used for desalination and the removal of small particulates. This technique involves passing water through a semi-permeable membrane that allows only smaller molecules, like water, to pass through while blocking larger molecules and contaminants, including salts, heavy metals, and various organic compounds.

Desalination through reverse osmosis is particularly important in treating saline or brackish water, making it suitable for various applications, including agricultural and potable water supplies. The process effectively reduces the concentration of contaminants to meet health and safety standards for water use.

The removal of small particulates via reverse osmosis helps enhance the quality of treated water, making it safer for reuse or discharge into the environment. This advanced filtration capability distinguishes reverse osmosis from other methods that may not effectively remove dissolved solids and very small molecules.