International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering

Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)

Purification of Contaminated Water with Reverse Osmosis:

Effective Solution of Providing Clean Water for
Human Needs in Developing Countries
Sunil J. Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, MBA, FACE, FACP, FRCP, FRCPath, DSc
Cardio Metabolic Institute, 51 Veronica Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey, 08873, USA
Abstract Approximately 25% of the worlds population Keywords Water pollution; Environment;
has no access to clean and safe drinking water. Even though Contamination; Human diseases; Chronic kidney diseases;
freshwater is available in most parts of the world, many of (CKD); Potable; Seawater; Heavy metals; Agrochemicals;
these water sources contaminated by natural means or Fluoride.
through human activity. In addition to human consumption,
industries need clean water for product development and I. INTRODUCTION
machinery operation. With the population boom and
industry expansion, the demand for potable water is ever Water is a common chemical substance essential for the
increasing, and freshwater supplies are being contaminated survival of almost all known living organisms. Water
and scarce. In addition to human migrations, water covers 71% of the earths surface, but 97% of this water
contamination in modern farming societies is predominantly exists as salt water in oceans. Of all surface water, glaciers
attributable to anthropogenic causes, such as the over- and icecaps hold approximately 2%, and freshwater rivers
utilization of subsidized agrochemicalsartificial chemical and lakes contain only 1%. Yet many societies around the
fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. The use of world do not give consideration and attention to preserving
such artificial chemicals continue to contaminate many of the
this vital commodity that is in limited supply.
precious water resources worldwide. In addition, other areas
where the groundwater contaminated with fluorides, arsenic, Almost two-billion people in the world, (approximately
and radioactive material occur naturally in the soil. Although 25% of the world's population) do not have access to safe
the human body is able to detoxify and excrete toxic drinking water [1]. Consequently, water consumption-
chemicals, once the inherent natural capacity exceeded, the related deaths (ranging from five to seven million deaths
liver or kidneys, or both organs may fail. Following continual per year) are probably the largest single cause of deaths in
consumption of polluted water, when the conditions are the world. It is estimated that in 2020, at the current rate,
unfavourable and the bodys thresholds are exceeded, 75 million people will die each year of preventable water-
depending on the type of pollutants and toxin, liver, cardiac, related deaths [2, 3]. Most of these deaths are caused by
brain, or renal failure may occur. Thus, clean and safe water
infectious diseases and secondary diarrhoea [4]. However,
provided at an affordable price is not only increasingly
recognized, but also a human right and exceedingly a large number of deaths occur secondary to consuming
important. Most of the household filters and methods used non-pathogen water pollutants [5].
for water purification remove only the particulate matter. Governments in many countries continue to neglect the
The traditional methods, including domestic water filters and most vulnerable people who do not have easy access to
even some of the newer methods such as ultra-filtration, do clean water. This caused, at least in part, by the lack of
not remove most of the heavy metals or toxic chemicals from adequate resources, lack of priority, and/or disregard for
water than can harm humans. The latter is achieved with the the plight of people who do not have a voice, and the lack
use of reverse osmosis technology and ion exchange methods. safe water and sanitary facilities. To bridge this need,
Properly designed reverse osmosis methods remove more than
many charitable organizations have stepped in to provide
95% of all potential toxic contaminants in a one-step process.
This review explains the reverse osmosis method in simple this essential live-saving commodity. During the past two
terms and summarizes the usefulness of this technology in decades, several methodologies were developed to convert
specific situations in developing countries. contaminated water and brackish water to clean potable
water.

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
This article explores one such key technology, which Skid-mounted portable RO systems are ideal for
developed in the early 1970s at the University of emergencies, such as following floods, earthquakes, and
California, Berkley, and is relevant for most countries: tsunamis to provide clean water to affected communities.
namely, the reverse osmosis (RO) process [6-8]. Since its In addition, many industries benefitted by recycling
development, this method has been used in a variety of wastewater using RO plants in the production process.
applications, including in hospitals and the food and
A. Need for clean water:
pharmaceutical industries [6, 7, 9, 10].
By filtering a finer particle size, RO systems remove Clean water is not only a right of people but also a prime
much smaller dissolved particles than do ultra-filtration or necessity to have healthier lives. Most countries have
any carbon filters. Unlike the latter two, the RO systems enacted environmental protection laws that include
remove heavy metals, such as cadmium, arsenic, lead, and preserving water resources. However, implementation
copper, and volatile organic compounds, sodium, nitrates, levels of these laws are highly variable, and adherence
phosphate, fluoride, cysts, total dissolved solids (TDS), often is poor [11]. Particularly important is the prevention
agrochemical and petrochemical contaminants, and of industrial and biological waste-disposal, pollution, and
pharmaceutical contaminants in a one-step procedure. contamination of water sources and air pollution [1].
Therefore, the RO technology is an important solution for However, not all contaminants are purely man-made or
generating safe potable water. In addition, the RO process anthropogenic. Global warming has also affected
also removes salinity (i.e., brackishness; ionicity) and environmental pollution. Environmental pollution is an
various microbial and biological contaminants. unintended outcome of anthropogenic causes and
The removal of components that are not hazardous to accelerated by human activities. Nevertheless, there are
health, such as hardness, colour, odour, taste, and smell, is also natural phenomena. Together these enhance the
optional but usually incorporated as a part of the RO climate-changeinduced cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons,
process. In the past few decades, different water treatment droughts, and floods, all of which lead to significant
technologies have emerged that cater to specific purposes, groundwater contamination [12]; these events are
such as the activated carbon and bio-filters, which are becoming more frequent and are major, but often forgotten,
frequently fitted to water taps. However, such filters sources of water contamination.
remove only components that adsorbed by carbon and are B. Gravity of consuming contaminated water:
unable to remove heavy metals and fluoride effectively [3].
Nevertheless, removing chemical contaminants remains a Every year, many million people die because they
difficult problem. Specific defluoridation filters have consumed contaminated water [4]. The vast majority of
these deaths occur in poorer and agricultural communities
designed based on either activated alumina or resins.
in economically deprived countries [13-15]. Although
These can used in areas where fluoride is the only water
large numbers of these deaths are attributable to microbial
pollutant that causes health issues, such as dental and
skeletal fluorosis. Because of the very small pore sizes in contamination, leading to conditions such as dysentery [4],
the membranes used in RO, the method also removes an increasing number of people die after consuming
chemicals and toxin-contaminated water [13]. In many
biological contaminants without requiring any extra costs
cases, the causes of these deaths are not well defined, so
or time. Although the RO method overcomes all these
they are not attributed to water poisoning; thus are under-
issues, potentially high start-up costs, necessity of
estimated [3]. Primarily, this is because there is neither the
electricity, handling of effluent water and the need for
frequent back-flushing and/or replacement of filters and expertise nor the technology available to make the right
membranes remain obstacles to this technology. diagnosis of cause of death in most parts of the world [3].
Almost 60% of the population in emerging economies
Reverse osmosis can filter chemically contaminated
and economically deprived countries continues to depend
water, brackish water, or seawater, removing minerals,
on wells, reservoirs, rivers, and natural streams for daily
chemicals, toxins, and dissolved and undissolved
water requirements. On the other hand, almost all city
substances [3]. In locations where there is no centrally
purified pipe-borne water supply or after flood and natural dwellers receive centrally purified pipe-borne water
disasters with water contamination, RO units can provide supplies; which they have taken for granted. In addition,
the quality of drinking water in urban areas assured via
safe, potable water to communities and can used for
programs to ensure drinking water is safe and free from
industrial requirements.
harmful chemicals, toxins, and pathogenic microorganisms.

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
However, no such programs exist in remote villages, Because the mechanism of pollutant removal in
where approximately 65% to 70% of the population lives in activated carbon filters is via adsorption, rather than
developing and economically disadvantaged countries. absorption, capacity is small and these filters saturate
Vast majority of them do not have access to a pipe-borne quickly; thus the capacity lasts only few days, despite
water supply. claims by manufacturers. Moreover, these filters will not
remove appreciable amounts of heavy metals or fluoride
C. Options for generating clean water:
from water.
While the economically well-to-do people and those Expensive options are the use of bottled water, daily
who reside in and around cities provided with clean water transportation of water to villagers via water
via the pipe-borne water systems, the majority of villagers, transporters/bowsers, provision of water filters to
particularly people in the low- to middle-income regions, individual households, and the installation of wells,
rely on their own sources for water supplies. Therefore, including deep tube wells. In the case of water
their health can drastically affect, depending on the purity contamination following environmental disasters and
of the water they consume. This is particularly important floods, it is possible to use sterilization tablets, chemical
in agricultural communities. Table 1 illustrates the most flocculation methods, and emergency portable, skid-
commonly used methods for water purification. mounted RO systems; all these can established quickly.
Table 1 However, field experience in developing countries.
Commonly Used Water Purification Methods Including our own experiences suggests that not only are
the commonly used filters inefficient in removing
Process Method use contaminants, but use of these filters also is insufficient. If
Economical and Removal of particles, suspended solids, a clean water supply is available upstream, it is more
most commonly grit economical to tap that supply [1]. Because the current and
used methods commonly used systems are not working, new out-of-the-
Odour control and sludge sedimentation box methods are warranted.
Filtration and chlorination D. Understanding osmotic pressure:
Chemical and Aeration and coagulation Several methods are available for measuring osmotic
mechanical pressure. It is calculated from the lowering of vapour
methods
Flocculation and filtration pressure of a solution, by depression of the freezing point,
or by the equivalent of the ideal gas law equation. In
Disinfection
addition, several commercially available devices can
Carbon adsorption measure osmotic pressure directly. Another way to
calculate the osmotic pressure of a solution is to measure
Expensive but Distillation, ion-exchange methods the water flux through a module under operating conditions
effective methods Electro-dialysis, reverse osmosis at several pressures. If a plot of water flux versus pressure
extrapolated to zero water flux, the intercept would be the
Most of the filtration systems used in developing osmotic pressure. This gives the effective osmotic
countries based on simple mechanical filtration processes pressure, including concentration polarization. This
(Table 1). These remove particulate matter by a indirectly measures the pressure that is necessary to stop
mechanical process based on physical size. These methods the flow of water through a membrane [11].
may remove some larger inorganic matter and metals that Direct osmotic pressure measurement in a solution by
are in the particulate forms, but not dissolved in the water. operating at a pressure just sufficient to obtain zero flow is
Some filters have an additional activated carbon impractical because the membranes are not perfect semi-
component, which adsorbs some chemicals to the surface permeable membranes. This technique would measure the
of carbon. However, unlike with absorption methods, difference in osmotic pressure between the feed-water and
adsorption depends on the available surface area of the the output water. At low pressures, not only is the salt
material; and thus the capacity is limited. rejection poor, but the measured osmotic pressure also
The three most common heavy metal contaminants that could be lower than the real value.
causing ill health, cadmium, lead, and arsenic in water are The osmotic pressure of a solution increases with the
in the dissolved form and thus generally cannot be removed concentration of a solution. In general, this is defined
by these filtration methods [5]. based on sodium chloride [16].
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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
The osmotic pressure increases by approximately 0.01 The movement of solvent reduces the free energy of the
psi for each milligram of solvent/litre. Although this is a system by equalizing solute concentrations on both sides of
good approximation for most water contaminants, the membrane and generating equal osmotic pressure [17].
pollutants with high molecular weight and organic The transfer of liquid from one side of the membrane to the
contaminants may generate a relatively lower osmotic other continues until the head or pressure is large enough to
pressure. For example, in comparison with NaCl, sucrose prevent any net transfer of the solvent (e.g., water) to the
yields a value of approximately 0.001 psi, a tenfold less for more concentrated solution (Figure 1). Depending on the
each milligram/litre. In general, the osmotic pressure of a size of the pores in the membrane, it blocks the passage of
water supply that requires demineralization is 10 psi per dissolved solutes and particulate matter to the opposite side
1,000 mg/L (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS). of the membrane [18]. At this equilibrium, the quantity of
water or the solvent passing in either direction is equal, and
E. Definitions of reverse osmosis purification:
the osmotic pressure of the solution on either side of the
Osmosis: Osmosis is defined as the spontaneous passage membrane is the same.
or passive diffusion of water or a solvent through a semi-
Reverse osmosis: The osmosis flow is reversed in the
permeable membrane due to osmotic pressure. Liquid
RO process. By applying hydraulic pressure to the high-
moves from a dilute to a more concentrated solution across
concentration side of the solution, it forces solvents to filter
a semi-permeable membrane (Figure 1).
through the membrane [19], against a pressure gradient into
the lower-concentrate solution. In RO, using a mechanical
pump, pressure is applied to a solution via one side of the
semi-permeable membrane to overcome inherent osmotic
pressure: a thermodynamic parameter. The process also
removes soluble and particulate matter, including salt from
seawater in desalination from the solution of interest [20,
21].
When pressure applied on the concentrated side of the
semi-permeable membrane beyond the osmotic pressure of
the solution, the solvent begins to flow toward the less
concentrated side (Figure 1). Solvent from the
concentrated solution (water) passes through the membrane
to the solution of lower concentration; thus, the
concentration of solute in the side where the pressure is
applied becomes higher. Most commonly, RO known for
its use in drinking water purification from seawater and
generating clean water from brackish water, and use in the
pharmaceutical and milk processing industry.
Reverse osmosis can remove many types of molecules
and ions from solutions, so it use in both industrial
processes and the production of potable water. The result
is that the solute retained on the pressurized side of the
membrane and the pure solvent, which in most cases is
water, forced through the membranes to the other side,
where it is collected. Reverse osmosis is used in multiple
Figure 1: Basic mechanisms of how (A) osmosis and applications, including recycling, wastewater treatment,
(B) reverse osmosis work. food and beverage processing, and the generation of
During osmosis, without applying pressure across a energy. Various technologies and processes incorporate
membrane, a lower-concentration solution or water the use of RO treatment plants. Reverse osmosis is one of
molecules will filter or gravitate to the higher the few effective ways to remove minerals, volatile organic
concentration solution, thus diluting the latter until compounds, fluoride, and other chemical contaminants
equilibrium is established. from drinking water supplies [22].

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
F. Mechanism of purification by reverse osmosis:

Figure 2: Basic components of reverse osmosis.

The RO is somewhat similar to other membrane

technology applications, such as ultra-filtration, but there
are differences between RO and other filtration. The
removal mechanism in filtration is straining or size
exclusion, and pore sizes are larger than with RO
membranes. The ultra-filtration process at least in theory,
provide good exclusion of particles, regardless of the
operational variability, including pressure and solute
concentrations [23]. However, because the pore sizes are
larger, inorganic components, all heavy metals, and
microbial agents pass through the ultra-filtration process.
Because RO depends on a diffusive mechanism,
separation efficiency varies based on solute concentration
(TDS), pressure applied, and water temperature [11, 24].
High-pressure pumps in RO systems force water through
the pores of the membranes (permeate), and the remaining
water with higher concentrations of solutes is pushed out as
wastewater (brine) [12]. Basic components of a RO system
are illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 3: Schematic representation of RO systems.

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
In addition to agrochemicals and toxins, one of the key The quality and consistency of the membranes is the key
benefits of RO is its ability to remove salinity, heavy factor that influences the performance durability and
metals, and fluoride from water, whereas most other quality of any RO unit. Other factors that influence
methodologies, including activated-charcoal filters and performance are the pressure of the water inlet, water
even ultra-filtrationbased technologies, fail to remove temperature, concentration of the solutes, and density of the
these ions [25]. In larger RO units, when the high-pressure particulate matter, TDS in the water.
water outlet connected to a turbine or a motor, it can Table 3
recycle some of this otherwise wasted energy to run the Common Basic Components Used in RO Systems
pressure pumps, permeate pumps, or other electrical
appliances. Mechanistic components and flow cycle of a Components Mechanics and detail
typical RO system illustrated in Figure 3.
Pre-filters Usually, the inlet water supply enters the RO
Table 2 system via the pre-filter. Depending on the
Average Purification Efficiency of RO Membranes*
quality and the TSD of inlet water, some units
Component Efficiency % Component Efficiency % use a series of pre-filters to remove particles as
well as oxidative components, such as chlorine,
Sodium 94 Lead 93
that potentially damage RO membranes. The
Sulphate 94 Arsenic 95 most commonly used pre-filters are sediment
Calcium 97 Magnesium 96 filters (multi-media filters) used to remove sand,
Potassium 93 Nickel 95 silt, dirt, particulate and other sediment material.
Charcoal filters are used to remove oxidizing
Nitrate 90 Fluoride 95
compounds, such as chlorine, to protect the
Iron 95 Manganese 96 membranes, particularly thin film composite
Zinc 95 Cadmium 95 (TFC) and thin film material (TFM) membranes.
Carbon pre-filters are not routinely use when the
Mercury 94 Barium 95
system uses cellulose tri-acetate (CTA)
Selenium 94 Cyanide 92 membranes, but most companies use the
Phosphate 95 Chloride 92 TFC/TFM filters.

Inlet water The valve that fitted onto the inlet water supply
Agrochemicals 98 Petrochemicals 95 line valve line to control the water source entering the RO
Organic compounds 98 Particulate matter 99 system or the pre-filtration apparatus.

Percentages may vary based on the membrane type, pore size, Pressure High-pressure pumps and control valves that
and the water quality, pressure, temperature, and TDS. *Data are pumps regulate the flow-through system and generate
averaged from multiple sources. filtration pressure for reverse osmosis.
The spiral membranes are constructed from one or more RO The RO membrane is the key to the system. The
membrane envelopes wound around a perforated central membranes most commonly used membranes are spiral-
tube. The permeate passes through the membrane into the wound [17]. The CTA is relatively chlorine
envelope and spirals inward to the central tube for tolerant, whereas the TFC and TFM membranes
collection. Table 2 indicates average best purification are not.
efficiencies of various inorganic water contaminants using
optimum reverse osmosis units. Post-filters Between the RO unit, the storage tank, and the
All reverse osmosis units work in the same manner. clean water outlet, water flows through one or
Many have the same basic components, but the key more post-filters to capture any unwanted matter.
difference is the quality of the filters and membranes inside These post-filters consist of activated carbon in
the unit [23] (Table 3). These determine the quality of the either granular or carbon block form. These
output water, durability, operational cost, and capital costs. allow any additional contaminants to get
adsorbed, including organic components and any
other material that may have bypassed the RO

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
membranes. They also remove abnormal taste or G. The importance of the quality of membranes and filters
odour in the effluent water. in a RO plant:
Check valve A check valve is located at the outlet end of the High-pressure RO systems have used widely since the
membrane housing. It prevents the backward mid-1970s for purification of brackish and seawater to
flow of clean water from the storage tank to the
drinking water and to generate clean water for medical,
industrial, and domestic applications. High-quality
unit and prevents damaging membranes.
components within the unit are important for the quality
Automatic To conserve water, the RO systems have built-in and the quantity of clean water output [16].
shut-off / automatic shut-off valves (a floater). When the When considering designing or purchasing an RO
floater valve storage tank is full, the valve shuts off the water system, the questions to consider include the quality of the
from entering the membrane compartment. This materials and the types of connections used, including the
prevents clean water production, releases the plastic products and connections, probability of leaks,
pump pressure, and conserves water. Once water internal pressure capacity and built-in detection systems
released from the tank, the pressure in the tank such as for pressure and TDS, the quality of the material
drops, and the shut-off/floater valves open, re- used, the quality, durability, and the membrane pore size,
establishing the water flow to the membrane. quality and the capacity of the multi-media filters and the
ability and the frequency necessary to back-plashing filters,
Flow Water flow through the membrane is regulated by the quality of the activated carbon and micron-filters,
restrictor a flow control, which is located in the RO drain accuracy and tolerance of the specifications provided by
line. These flow control devices maintain the the manufacturer for each component, and potential for
flow rate required to obtain the high quality contamination or water bypassing the filtration system.
potable water, in part based on the quality and
H. Mechanisms involved in reverse osmosis:
the capacity of the membrane. They also help
maintain pressure on the inlet side of the The membranes used for RO have dense layers in the
membrane. Flow restrictors are necessary to
polymer matrix where the chemical separation occurs [12].
maintain the pressure within the membrane
In most cases, the membrane is designed to allow only
water to pass through this dense layer with cut-off limit is
chamber allowing RO to take place. They also
approximately 200 Daltons, while preventing the passage
prevent incoming water taking the path of least
of solutes, such as organic molecules, salt ions, and heavy
resistance, flowing down the drain line.
metals. Applied pressure varies on the surface of the
Permeate Pumps inserted between the flow restrictor and membrane, usually between 2 and 17 bars (30250 psi) for
pump the RO module to maintain the membrane fresh and brackish water, and 40 and 82 bars (6001200
pressure and generate power that otherwise goes psi) for seawater. The latter has an osmotic pressure of 27
to waste from the permeate water stream. bars (390 psi). Many systems incorporate ultraviolet lamps
for sterilizing the water and killing the microbes that may
Storage tank The purified water from the RO membranes is escape filtering through the RO membrane. A flow chart of
directed to an overhead storage tank. The systematic components of a RO system is shown in Figure
capacity of storage tanks varies depending on the 4.
capacity of the membranes, the pressure unit, and
the water volume.

Faucet The valve that regulates the RO unit or the

overhead tank outlet flow.

Drain line The drain line runs from the outlet end of the
reverse osmosis membrane housing to the drain,
containing a higher concentration of
contaminants.

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Water flows downward through the media while some
solids likely to accumulate in the media bed. The purified
water, permeate passes through to downstream processes.
When the filter begins to clog or when the pressure drop
through the bed increases, flow rates are decrease. When
the recovery of a RO system decreased (i.e., wastewater
percentage increases), effective contaminant removal rates
also tend to decrease [26]; consequently, water TDS will
continue to increase, and membrane failure may occur [27].
To prevent degradation of water quality, at this point, the
flow needs to be reverse. This can done either manually or
semi-automatically directing through the control valve to
drain, carrying with it, the particulate matter that has built
up during service. The required flow is specific to the
media and is essential to proper cleaning of the media bed.
For media filters, the required backwash flow is always
higher than the service flow rate.
Filters require periodic backwashing to dispose of the
accumulated debris. This is accomplished by backwashing
clean water through the unit and then disposing of the
effluent. During this process, the different sizes of media
separate into layers, preparing the filter bed for service.
However, when utilize smaller, double or triple unit
systems, the optimum backwash flow rate is lower;
Figure 4: (A) Preconditioning/pre-filters, reverse osmosis membranes,
therefore, these systems can operated at higher service flow
and post-treatment disinfection system of reverse osmosis. (B) rates. Both acid and caustic cleaning chemicals use for
Filtration components and key steps involved in the reverse osmosis membrane cleaning process. Acid cleaners generally used
process. at pH of about, which remove inorganic and iron deposits.
I. Membrane cleaning process: Alkaline cleaners are used approximately about pH 12,
which will remove biological matter, organic foulants, and
The percentage recovery of purified water depends on
silica deposits.
several factors; including membrane pore size, temperature,
operating pressure, and membrane surface area. One of the J. Membrane pore size and RO unit capacities:
major problems with membranes is the sediment Reverse osmosis membranes are made in two common
deposition, which damages the membranes. Therefore, configurations: spiral-wound and hollow-fibre. Reverse
when the intake water has higher TDS or hard water, it is a osmosis is considered as a hyper filtration because it
prerequisite to remove sediment either via water softeners removes particles larger than 0.1 nm. Membrane pore sizes
or by using anti-scalent injection systems. can vary from 0.1 nanometres (3.9 10 9 inches) to 5,000
Recovery of clean water depends on several factors, nanometres (0.00020 inches), depending on the filter type.
including the water temperature, TDS, and the ability to In general, particle filtrations remove particles of 1 micro-
generate consistent pressure on the RO membranes. With metre (3.9 105 inches) or larger.
time, RO membrane elements experience a decline in Microfiltration removes particles of 50 nm or larger.
performance due to the accumulation of deposits on the Ultra-filtration removes particles of roughly 3 nm or larger.
membrane surfaces. Insoluble organic compounds, mineral Nanofiltration removes particles of 1 nm or larger. Details
scale, colloidal particles, and biological matter lead to of different filtration methodologies and their molecular
membrane fouling. When production of a RO system sizes exclusions are indicated in Figure 5.
drops, by over 10% or the differential pressure increases by
approximately 15% over the normal operating conditions,
membrane cleaning should be performed.

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Figure 5: Detailed of various filtration methodologies and their cut-offs molecular size exclusions are illustrated. Figure indicates example of different
molecules and particles that excluded with each type of filtration system.

K. Other uses of reverse osmosis systems:

In industrialized countries, emergency services and Reverse osmosis systems also used in the food industry.
military organizations frequently use RO water purification In addition to desalination, reverse osmosis is a more
units on the battlefield and in training. The capacities of economical technique for concentrating food liquids (such
these units range from 1,500 to 150,000 imperial gallons as fruit juices) than are conventional heat-treatment or
(6,800 to 680,000 L) per day, depending on the need. The lyophilisation processes [21]. Reverse osmosis
most common of these are the units with capacity of 1,000 methodology extensively used in the dairy industry for the
and 3,000 gallons per hour, which are capable of purifying production of whey protein powders and concentrating
brackish and saltwater, and water contaminated with milk to reduce shipping costs.
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents. In whey applications, the whey, the liquid remaining
At normal operating variables, one of these units can after cheese manufacture, is concentrated with RO from 6%
produce 12,000 to 60,000 imperial gallons (55,000 to total solids to 10% to 20% total solids before ultra-filtration
270,000 L) of water per 24-hour period, with a required 4- processing. The ultra-filtration material used to make
hour maintenance window to check systems, pressure various whey powders. In addition, the ultra-filtration of
pumps, elements, and the generators. Thus, a single unit milk facilitates concentration of lactose from 5% total
can serve approximately 3,000 to 7,000 people. solids to 18% to 22% total solids; this markedly reduces the
Reverse osmosis is also used in industry to remove crystallization and drying costs of the lactose and milk
minerals to prevent scaling from boiler water at power powder.
plants and clean effluents in brackish groundwater. The Many aquariums also use RO systems to control salinity
process of RO is also used for the production of deionised in the artificial mixture of seawater that suits fish and sea
water, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and mammals. Ordinary tap water often contains excessive
concentration of milk in the dairy industry [3]. chlorine, chloramines, copper, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates,
silicates, and other chemicals that are detrimental to the
sensitive organisms in a reef environment.
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Meanwhile, contamination with nitrogen-containing L. Pre-treatment:
compounds and phosphates can lead to excessive algae Pre-treatment is important when working with RO or
growth and increase the cost of maintenance [28, 29]. An nano filtration membranes because of the nature of their
effective combination of both RO and deionization spiral-wound design. The spiral-wound designs do not
(RO/DI) is the most common treatment method used in reef allow back pulsing with water or air agitations to clean the
aquariums. This method is favoured over the other membrane surface and removal of solids and adsorbed ions.
purification processes because of its relatively low capital Because accumulated material cannot be removed from the
and operating costs. However, when chlorine and membrane surface systems, they are highly susceptible to
chloramines are present in the tap water, activated-carbon foulingloss of production capacity (a decrease in the
filtration is needed before the water is passed to the efficiency of the system). Therefore, pre-treatment is a
membrane apparatus. necessary part of these two systems of water purification.
Seawater reverse osmosis: This is a high-pressure RO In general, the pre-treatment systems have several major
process used for desalination that has been commercially components, as described here.
available for the past four decades [21]. This process does
Size-exclusion screening of solids: Before water sent
not require heating, and the energy requirement is around 3
through the membranes, the solids in the inlet water need to
kWh/m3, which is high in comparison to other sophisticated
removed to prevent polluting the membranes by fine
desalination methods.
particles or microbial growth. This also prevents potential
Nevertheless, because of the high osmotic pressure due
damage to high-pressure pump components.
to NaCl, this process requires the generation of higher
pressures, so relatively higher amounts of electricity, such Cartridge filtration: String-wound polypropylene filters
as 0.1 to 1 kWh/m3, are required than are needed for the used to remove particles of 1 to 5 m diameter.
purification of brackish and stream water. Therefore, based Dosing: In some RO systems, oxidizing components,
on this method, instead of the 65% to 80% recovery such as chlorine, added to kill bacteria, followed by
obtained with brackish water, only approximately 50% of bisulfite dosing to remove chlorine, and by activated
the seawater input can recover as fresh potable water. carbon filters to remove oxidizing components, such as
However, larger plants allow the generation of the useful chlorine, to prevent thin-film composite membrane
by-products salt and electricity. damage.
Brackish water reverse osmosis: Brackish water or briny Pre-filtration pH adjustment: Feed-water pH, hardness
water is water that has a higher salinity than freshwater but (particularly, calcium carbonate), and alkalinity cause
much less than seawater. It may result from the mixing of scaling of pipes and membranes, which markedly decrease
seawater with freshwater, as in lagoons and estuaries, or it the efficiency of a RO unit. Therefore, RO systems use
may occur in brackish fossil aquifers. This water may water treatment to minimize hardness of water to prevent
contain between 0.5 and 30 grams of salt per litreoften scaling, and by converting carbonate and phosphate to
expressed as 0.5 to 30 parts per thousand (ppt, or %). The soluble chemical forms, to prevent interacting with
percentage recovery of water from these systems varies calcium. Calculated amounts of anti-scalants, softeners, or
with the salinity of the feed-water and the system designs: acid injected into the intake water supply to maintain
typically 30% for small seawater systems, 50% for larger carbonates in soluble carbonic acid form, thus preventing
seawater systems, and as much as 80% for brackish water. its precipitation and scale formation within the system.
The concentrate flow typically is only 3 bars (50 psi) less The basic chemistry of this reactions:
than the feed pressure, so it still carries much of the high-
pressure pump input energy. CO32 + H3O+ = HCO3 + H2O; HCO3 + H3O+ = H2CO3 + H2 O
The process of purification for brackish water is similar Conversion of carbonate to carbonic acid prevents it
to that for desalination of water, but the inlet water contains from combining with calcium to form calcium carbonate,
much lower salt content than does seawater and thus thereby preventing scaling. Calcium carbonate scaling
requires less pressure to force water across the membrane. tendency is estimated using the Langelier saturation index.
Sources of such water include river estuaries and saline- or Adding too much sulphuric acid to control carbonate scales
other chemical-contaminated wells and waterways. The may result in scaling formation with calcium sulphate,
process is similar to that of seawater RO but requires lower barium sulphate, or strontium sulphate on the osmosis
pressures and less energy than does desalination [21]. In membranes.
these systems, as much as 80% of the water input can
recover as freshwater.
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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
Prefiltration anti-scalants: The addition of scale Seawater/desalination pumps require three to four times
inhibitors (also known as anti-scalants) prevents the higher pressures, ranging from 800 to 1,180 psi (55 to 81.5
formation of all kinds of scales compared with acid, which bars or 6 to 8 MPa), thus requiring a higher amount of
can prevent only the formation of calcium carbonate and energy. When an energy recovery method used (via energy
calcium phosphate scales. Anti-scalants inhibit not only recovery devices), as with the larger-scale RPO units,
carbonate and phosphate scales, but also sulphate and partial amounts of energy recovered to operate the high-
fluoride scales, in addition to dissolving colloids and metal pressure pump, thus reducing the systems overall
oxides. The key advantage is that anti-scalants can control additional energy requirement.
acid-soluble scales at a fraction of the dosage required to
N. Pressure Recovery Pump:
control the same scale using sulphuric acid [30].
Some of the small-scale desalination RO units are Efficient energy recovery systems can reduce the energy
located on beaches or in close proximity to the seashore. consumption by approximately 50%. High-pressure pump
These intake facilities are relatively simple to build, and input energy recovered through the effluent flow and
seawater needs to pre-treated via filtration through the directed into an energy recovery device. Energy recovery
subsurface sand in the area of source water extraction; this devices can reduce the energy needs and thus the costs of
is done instead of using relatively expensive multi-media RO. A reciprocating piston pump (or a turbine) using the
filters. By comparison with direct seawater, inlets using pressurized concentrate flow is applied to one side of each
beach wells offer relatively better quality in terms of solids piston to drive the membrane feed-flow from the opposite
(TDS), silt, oil and grease, natural organic contamination, side.
and aquatic microorganisms. Beach intakes may also yield Some systems also use a permeate pump, using the
source water of somewhat lower salinity, which require less energy from the permeate water flowing from the
energy to purify. membrane component. This simple energy recovery device
combines the high-pressure pump and energy recovery in a
M. Pressure pump: single self-regulating unit. These methods are used less
A high-pressure pump is necessary to pressurize water to commonly on smaller low-energy systems that consume 3
force through the membrane to activate the RO kWh/m3 or less energy but are useful components in
phenomenon. Typical pressures for brackish water range reducing the energy requirements of larger systems.
from 225 to 375 psi (15.5 to 26 bars, or 1.6 to 2.6 MPa). Devices that been used for energy recovery are described in
Table 4.
Table 4
Energy Recovery System Used in RO Systems:

Recovery method Description

Permeate These used between the RO membrane and the flow restrictors, capturing the energy from the outflow permeate
pumps water.

Turbocharger A water turbine driven by the concentrate flow, directly connected to a centrifugal pump, which boosts the high-
pressure pump output pressure, reducing the pressure needed from the high-pressure pump and thus its energy
input.
Turbine or A water turbine driven by the pressurized concentrate flow, connected to the high-pressure pump drive shaft to
Pelton wheel provide input power. Positive displacement axial piston motors can use in place of turbines on smaller systems.

Pressure The pressurized concentrate flow directed to a piston or a turbine directly to convert mechanical energy to electrical
exchanger energy. A boost pump used to increase the pressure, typically in the range of 3 bars (50 psi), to feed the inlet water
to the membrane. In general, this can reduce the load on the high-pressure pump by an amount equal to the
concentrate flow/the effluent, typically by about 60%. These are widely used on larger low-energy RO systems that
have 3 kWh/m3 or less energy consumption.

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
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O. Re-mineralization and pH adjustment: Q. Things to consider when evaluating to purchase and/or
In some systems, the purified water is stabilized to install an RO plant:
protect downstream pipelines and storage tanks by adding Reverse osmosis technology is required only for those
lime or caustic soda to prevent corrosion of pipes and areas where there is a dependable source available and the
concrete-lined surfaces [31]. Lime is used to adjust the pH water contains dissolved salts or chemical pollutants, such
between 6.8 and 8.0 to meet the potable water as fluoride, arsenic, cadmium, and/or high TDS. If
specifications in a given country but also for effective biological contamination is the only issue, RO is not the
disinfection and for corrosion control. In addition, re- right technology to be used, because there are less
mineralization with calcium may be necessary to add the expensive technologies available.
natural taste and replace some of the minerals removed One needs to consider several areas when designing or
from the water by the RO process. deciding to purchase an RO water treatment system,
particularly when considering the provision of clean water
P. Disinfection methods:
to communities (Table 5).
Although it is not essential, most RO plants have post-
Table 5
treatment filtration or disinfection systems. Post-treatment Key Areas That Needs to Consider When Evaluating to Purchase a
consists of preparing the water in an acceptable manner for RO System
distribution after filtration. Although RO is an effective
barrier to many pathogens, odour, and chemicals, post-
Item Key components to consider
treatment methods provide secondary protection against
additional and potential compromises in membranes [26, (a) Option of scaling-up or scope of expanding to other
32], instrument and pipe contamination, or equipment villages
failures [28, 29]. System failure can occur with the
contamination of membranes, downstream system or (b) Compatibility of membranes, filters and other material
distribution failures, and during backwashing procedures. across multiple RO unites
The two most common methods used are disinfection (c) Ailments to be removed or eradicated, and their
using UV lamps, or chlorination, or chloramination (adding concentration in water
chlorine and ammonia) to protect against pathogens.
Because of the pore size and woven construction of the (d) The total dissolve substances (TDS) and the presence of
membrane, RO prevents harmful contaminants and oxidizing substances such as chlorine in the inlet water
pathogens from entering into the clean waterside of the
system [11, 29]. However, it also strips the good (e) The ability for proper long-term maintenance of RO
components, such as taste and healthful minerals, from the plants and the available expertise
water. Thus, it may be necessary to re-mineralize the (f) Balance between the cost recovery and community
dematerialized clean water for human consumption. needs
Therefore, bottled water companies add calcium or sodium
chloride and/or potassium chloride to water to recreate the (g) Sustainability of the plant and the possibility of
original water taste. reaching the users maximally for their benefits
The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences and
(h) The ability to build awareness programs and promotion
Technology has reported a practical and cost-effective,
for introducing the treated water to non-users
solar water disinfection method for treating water to make
it safe to drink in developing countries. It involves using (i) The proper disposal of the effluent from the plant and
clear PET (chemically inert, food-grade packaging plastic) prevention of conflicts with users of water bodies
bottles filled with water and placed in the sun for six hours.
The ultraviolet A (UVA) rays in sunlight used to kill R. The operating costs of RO purification plants:
pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This Reverse osmosis plants require electricity-driven high-
process reported to work even at lower temperatures and in pressure pumps to pressurize water before it enters the
most latitudes.
membrane unit.

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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
The availability of a reliable, uninterrupted, pressurized There are two broader types of water contamination.
brackish water supply, a reliable source of electricity, and a The water pollution from sewerage and bacterial
wastewater disposal system are essential components for contamination leading to diarrheal diseases such as
the optimal and safe function of these RO units. In areas dysentery and the contamination caused by chemicals and
where there is no grid-based electricity supply, solar power toxins [5]. Contaminated water with microbes can be
can used effectively to power these mechanical pumps. purified relatively easily using chemical disinfectants (e.g.,
The key operational costs associated with RO systems chlorine), ultraviolet lamps, boiling, high-end ultra-
include operator and caretaker costs, distribution costs (if filtration, or the RO methodology. However, the removal
any), electricity costs, and replacement of filters and of chemical toxins and heavy metals can be accomplished
membranes. It is imperative that the staff operating such only by the use of methodologies such as RO and ion
units fully trained and supported long-term basis. Once exchange [3].
operational, a charity, consortium, or company should Exposures to various toxic agents in natural and
maintain these units for long-term upkeep and for their occupational environments are a common occurrence.
viability and productivity [3]. Whatever the method that is These chemicals and toxic agents may enter the human
used, qualified technicians or engineers must regularly body through oral, inhalational, or transdermal routes and
supervise the systems proper maintenance for the long run. may exert negative effects on all organ systems, including
the kidneys (i.e., chronic kidney disease) [33]. Many are
II. CONCLUSIONS unaware that one-third of the water-related deaths caused
Access to clean uncontaminated water will have a by the consumption of water that is not contaminated with
profound impact on controlling the spread of water-borne bacteria but with chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins.
pathogens, toxins, and chemical-induced morbidity and Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic, and
mortality from preventable causes. These include not only fluoride and agrochemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides,
diarrhoea and dysenteries, but also chemical-induced fungicides, and chemical fertilizer, continue to contaminate
ailments, such as chronic kidney disease and other chronic drinking water, increasing morbidity and mortality [3].
diseases, especially in vulnerable groups. No intervention There are a number of toxins and heavy-metal poisoning-
has greater overall impact on national development, public induced health issues, including chronic kidney disease,
health, and the longevity of humans than the provision of liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, infertility,
safe drinking water and the proper disposal of human waste developmental disorders, and brain disorders.
[3]. Toxic chemicals or microbial organisms in water cannot
Clean water is a life force of our everyday life. The be seen, tasted, or smelled. However, people judge the
RO method evolved as a way to address the problem of quality of water by taste, odour, and appearance, but no
the pollutants that created by society and industry. technology is available to judge the quality of water
Water purification systems are available in sizes from accurately without testing and relating it to health risks.
small individual units for the home to larger Water in disease-affected areas usually contaminated with
commercial-scale units that used to provide potable one or more toxic heavy metals or fluoride; is hard water,
water to individual houses, villages, hospitals, and containing calcium/magnesium phosphates; or contains
industry. Reverse osmosis is a good option for many of agro-chemicals, which leads to increased incidence of
these situations. However, in creating these benefits, the various human disorders and premature deaths [3].
RO method can also creates problems that should be A high incidence of chronic kidney disease of multi-
addressed. factorial origin (CKD-mfo) [5] is reported in Sri Lanka [34,
With the continuing unprecedented climatic changes and 35]: Balkan nephropathy [36, 37] and South American
their environmental impact, including water contamination, kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDuo) [38, 39] are
water security has become a global threat [3]. Cycles of two examples. Because of the complex interactions among
floods and droughts; rising sea levels; and frequent storms, humans and nature, agricultural practices, and geology and
hurricanes, and typhoons, together with overpopulation in soil chemistry, it is difficult or impossible to identify a
certain areas in the world add to water pollution and water single cause leading to one disease [3, 12].
security. Figure 6: Examples of skid-mounted RO units. There are increasing concerns about the health impacts
Globally, the consumption of contaminated water is the of climate changes, water and air pollution, ecosystem
cause of more than 8 million deaths per year, and most of degradation, and global warming.
them are attributable to diarrheal diseases.
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 International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2013)
Over-utilization of the finite reserves of non-renewable [7] Nielsen, W.K., et al., [Purification of water by reverse osmosis for
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[8] Kunz, A.L., Water purification and reverse osmosis. Bull Parenter
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[14] Park, S.H., et al., Multiplex PCR assay for the detection and
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