Reverse osmosis is commonly used for which purpose in wastewater treatment?

Reverse osmosis is a highly effective method used in advanced treatment processes in wastewater treatment. This technology involves pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane that allows only certain molecules to pass while blocking larger particles and contaminants. As a result, reverse osmosis can remove a wide range of impurities, including dissolved salts, heavy metals, and organic substances, which is particularly beneficial in providing high-quality effluent.

This method is critical in situations where water reuse is necessary or where strict regulations on water quality must be met. The advanced treatment achieved through reverse osmosis helps ensure that the final water output is safe for the environment, and can even be suitable for drinking after additional treatment steps.

In contrast, preliminary filtration, disinfection, and aeration each serve different roles in the wastewater treatment process. Preliminary filtration primarily removes large solids before biological treatment, disinfection focuses on eliminating pathogens after treatment, and aeration introduces oxygen to support the growth of microorganisms that decompose organic matter. However, none of these processes achieve the same level of contaminant removal as advanced treatment methods like reverse osmosis.