What is a common treatment method for removing dissolved solids from water?

Reverse osmosis is a widely recognized treatment method for removing dissolved solids from water, and it operates on the principle of pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows water molecules to pass while rejecting larger particles, ions, and dissolved solids, which results in a purified water stream. Due to its ability to effectively reduce a broad range of contaminants, including salts and other dissolved solids, reverse osmosis is particularly useful in applications where high water quality is necessary, such as in industrial processes or drinking water treatment.

In contrast, other treatment methods may not be as effective for this specific purpose. For example, filtration can remove larger particles and some suspended solids but typically does not remove dissolved solids. Coagulation involves the addition of chemicals that cause small particles to clump together and settle out of the water, which is effective for turbidity and particulate removal but does not target dissolved solids. Activated carbon treatment is excellent for removing organic compounds and improving taste and odor but does not effectively eliminate dissolved inorganic materials. Thus, reverse osmosis stands out as the most suitable choice for the removal of dissolved solids.