How does reverse osmosis purify water?

Reverse osmosis purifies water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane has very small pores that allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules and contaminants such as salts, bacteria, and other impurities.

The process relies on the application of pressure to overcome the natural osmotic pressure, pushing water from a higher concentration of contaminants to a lower concentration. As a result, the water that emerges on the other side of the membrane is much cleaner and consists mostly of water molecules, with many of the impurities retained on the original side.

This method is particularly effective for desalination and for removing a wide range of harmful substances from water, making it a widely used technology in water treatment plants and for household water purification systems.