Reverse OsmosisThe process of reverse osmosis entails pressurizing and passing impure water through a semi-permeable membrane. This results in removal of many impurities. The impurities that are removed results in water that is approximately 90 percent free of mineral and biological contaminants. The effectiveness of the process of reverse osmosis depends upon two factors which are the quality of the membrane and the pressure of the water. These two factors help to determine how effectively the water separates the contaminants. Reverse Osmosis units are very efficient in removal of both organic and inorganic chemicals. These units remove substantial amounts of inorganic chemicals such as salts, metals and minerals, most microorganisms and many organic chemicals. However, the efficiency of reverse osmosis units in the removal of some organic compounds such as nitrate is suspect. Despite this, they are still able to somewhat reduce their levels. As a unwritten rule, Mechanical filters as well as activated carbon filters are always used with a reverse osmosis unit. The sequence of the train commences with the mechanical filter. The mechanical filter first removes impurities such as dirt, sediment and other impurities that could clog the membrane of the reverse osmosis unit. After the mechanical filter comes the reverse osmosis unit. The water after the reverse osmosis unit is then passed through an activated carbon filter. This filter now removes some organic compounds which manage to pass through the reverse osmosis unit. This completes the train of filters for water purification. Despite these elaborate arrangements, Nitrates still pass through carbon filters. Reverse osmosis units while being quite efficient are expensive
to purchase and require regular maintenance. These units are also very wasteful
of water and use water in large quantities. It is normal that of the water that
is passed through the unit, over three fourth is discarded with the contaminants.
Just for this reason, these systems may not be very appropriate for households
that have a limited water supply. As a routine
practice, these units are connected only to the drinking water line. Usually
they are installed under the kitchen sink and that is where they get connected
to the cooking and drinking line. Installation of reverse osmosis units also
requires regular testing of the water supply to make sure that the membrane
is intact and the process of water filtration
is taking place as desired. |
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