What process is used to remove dissolved salts from seawater?

Reverse osmosis is a process used to remove dissolved salts from seawater, making it a key technique in desalination. In reverse osmosis, seawater is forced through a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass but traps larger molecules, including the salts and other impurities. This process effectively produces fresh water suitable for consumption or irrigation.

Reverse osmosis is highly efficient and is widely utilized in various desalination plants around the world. It is particularly favored due to its ability to remove a high percentage of dissolved salts while maintaining a relatively low energy requirement compared to other methods.

While filtration, distillation, and electrodialysis also serve specific purposes in water treatment, they are not the primary methods for desalinating seawater. Filtration primarily removes particulate matter, while distillation relies on heat and evaporation, which can be energy-intensive. Electrodialysis uses electric currents to separate ions, but it is generally less common than reverse osmosis for large-scale seawater desalination.