In reverse osmosis water treatment, what is the primary purpose of the membrane?

The primary purpose of the membrane in reverse osmosis water treatment is to separate salt from water. This process involves applying pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass while blocking larger molecules such as salts, minerals, and other impurities.

This capability is crucial, especially in areas needing desalination, where the goal is to convert salty seawater into fresh water. The effectiveness of the membrane in this separation process is what makes reverse osmosis a popular method for producing clean, potable water. The other options, such as filtering bacteria, heating water, or storing treated water, do not represent the fundamental function of the membrane itself in the reverse osmosis system.