What is the primary function of reverse osmosis in water treatment?

The primary function of reverse osmosis in water treatment is to use membranes to remove impurities. This process involves pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane that allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles, contaminants, and impurities, such as salts, bacteria, and other harmful substances. The effectiveness of reverse osmosis lies in its ability to achieve high levels of purification, making it an essential technology in various applications, including drinking water treatment and desalination.

In contrast, adding minerals to water is typically not a direct function of reverse osmosis; rather, it is common to remineralize water after it has been purified, depending on the intended use. While reverse osmosis does help in reducing harmful bacteria due to the physical barrier of the membrane, its primary role is not specifically to kill bacteria but rather to filter them out along with other contaminants. Increasing water pressure can be a necessity in the reverse osmosis process to ensure the appropriate flow rate through the membrane, but it is not the primary function of the process itself.