Context:
In recent years, Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology has gained widespread popularity for its effectiveness in eliminating impurities, pathogens, and reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in water. While RO systems provide a high level of purification, concerns have arisen regarding the loss of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium during the filtration process.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purification Method
- Reasons for the Growing Demand for RO Water:
- Concerns Related to the RO Process
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purification Method
Overview:
- RO stands for Reverse Osmosis, a water purification method.
- It employs a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants from water.
Key Components of RO System:
- Semi-permeable Membrane: Features tiny pores ranging from 0.0001 to 0.001 microns.
- Pressure: Water is pushed through the membrane under pressure.
Working Mechanism:
- Filtration: Contaminants like dissolved solids, chemicals, microorganisms, and impurities are retained by the membrane.
- Permeation: Water molecules pass through the membrane, producing clean and purified water.
Effectiveness:
- Comprehensive Removal: RO effectively eliminates a broad spectrum of impurities, including salts, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and organic compounds.
Applications:
- Residential: Used for drinking and cooking purposes.
- Industrial: Employed in various industries to enhance water quality for specific applications.
Reasons for the Growing Demand for RO Water:
- Water Quality Issues: Many areas, especially rural regions, grapple with poor quality groundwater or tap water, characterized by a brackish taste, unpleasant odour, and contaminants like chlorine or heavy metals.
- Perceived Health Benefits: Consumers often perceive RO water as healthier and safer compared to untreated or municipally supplied water, driving its popularity despite limited scientific backing.
- Convenience: Availability through purification plants and domestic RO systems, combined with easy installation and maintenance, makes RO a preferred choice.
- Urbanisation and Population Growth: The rise in urbanisation and population increases demand, especially in areas plagued by groundwater contamination and municipal water quality issues.
- Technological Advancements: Continuous innovations in RO technology result in more efficient and cost-effective systems, making clean water more accessible to a broader consumer base.
Concerns Related to the RO Process
Mineral Reduction:
- Effective but De-mineralising: While RO systems excel at removing impurities, they also eliminate beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Health Implications: The loss of these essential minerals can lead to potential health risks, particularly in areas where micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent.
Studies and Findings:
- TDS Levels: Research has shown that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels drop significantly after RO treatment, often falling below the recommended 50 mg/l threshold.
- National Observations: A nationwide study across approximately 4,000 locations revealed TDS levels as low as 25 to 30 mg/l, indicating a notable scarcity of essential minerals.
- “Dead Water” Phenomenon: RO-treated water often exhibits TDS levels ranging from 18 to 25 mg/l, resulting in what is colloquially termed as “dead water” – suitable for non-consumptive uses like battery maintenance but unsuitable for drinking.
Health Concerns:
- Potential Health Risks: Reduced intake of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium may contribute to various health issues such as joint pain, coronary heart disease, back pain, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
- WHO’s Perspective: The World Health Organization has flagged concerns related to RO water consumption, citing cases where populations suffered from health complications like cardiovascular disorders and muscular cramps due to acute magnesium deficiency.
-Source: Down To Earth
