What is the main purpose of a reverse osmosis process?

The main purpose of a reverse osmosis process is to remove dissolved solids from water. Reverse osmosis operates by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass while rejecting a wide range of contaminants including dissolved salts, organic compounds, and other impurities. This filtration mechanism is particularly valuable in producing purified water from various sources, including seawater and wastewater, where the removal of dissolved solids is critical for both environmental discharge standards and industrial applications.

In this context, the essence of reverse osmosis lies in its ability to improve water quality by significantly reducing the concentration of contaminants. This is especially important for applications such as drinking water treatment, where the presence of dissolved solids can affect taste and safety, or in industrial processes where high-purity water is required.

The other options are not aligned with the primary function of reverse osmosis. Heating water involves different processes such as using boilers or heaters, while aeration pertains to the introduction of air or oxygen into water, which is typically related to biological treatment processes. Adding minerals back into water does not reflect the fundamental purpose of reverse osmosis, which focuses on purification rather than mineral enrichment.