What does the RO process utilize to remove solutes from water?

The reverse osmosis (RO) process utilizes hydraulic pressure to effectively remove solutes from water. In this process, water is forced under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass while blocking larger solute particles, such as salts and other impurities. This mechanism is crucial in various applications, including water purification and treatment in hemodialysis, as it helps ensure that the water used is free from contaminants, fostering patient safety.

Filtration typically relies on a physical barrier to separate particles from fluid but does not necessarily involve the application of pressure like reverse osmosis does. Boiling is a method that can kill pathogens but does not remove dissolved solids, and evaporation removes water but also does not separate impurities in the way that hydraulic pressure and a membrane do in reverse osmosis.