One of the primary functions of reverse osmosis membranes is desalination. In water treatment processes such as seawater desalination and brackish water desalination, reverse osmosis membranes can remove dissolved salts, colloids, microorganisms, and organic matter from the water, thus producing fresh water. This works by applying pressure, causing water molecules to move from the high-concentration solution side through the reverse osmosis membrane to the low-concentration solution side, thereby removing salt. Typical RO membranes have a sodium chloride rejection rate of over 90%, and some reverse osmosis composite membranes can even achieve a desalination rate of over 98%.
Seawater desalination is one of the most important applications of reverse osmosis technology. Especially in water-scarce coastal areas, reverse osmosis technology provides a crucial guarantee for freshwater supply. Through reverse osmosis systems, salt and impurities in seawater are effectively removed, producing fresh water suitable for human drinking and industrial use. This not only solves the water shortage problem in coastal areas but also promotes local economic and social development.