Reverse osmosis technology for water treatment: State of the art review

This paper presents a review of recent advances in reverse osmosis technology as related to the major issues of concern in this rapidly growing desalination method. These issues include membrane fouling studies and control techniques, membrane characterization methods as well as applications to different water types and constituents present in the feed water. A summary of the major advances in RO performance and mechanism modeling is also presented and available transport models are introduced. Moreover, the two important issues of RO brine discharge and energy costs and recovery methods are discussed. Finally, future research trends and needs relevant to RO are highlighted.

Research highlights►Research areas include brine discharge, fouling and removal of specific compounds. ►Modeling is important for better membrane characterization and for plant reliability. ►Existing cost assessment methodologies are not sufficiently accurate. ►Developing less energy-intensive systems is a main concern. ►Using new membrane materials is also a subject of future research.