Predicting Removal of Trace Organics by Reverse Osmosis for Potable Reuse Applications

Potable reuse of municipal wastewater has emerged as a viable strategy for increasing the water resource portfolio in arid and water-stressed regions. To protect public health, organic compounds such as disinfection by-products, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals, and other contaminants of emerging concern should be removed during the potable reuse treatment process. Reverse osmosis (RO) is effective at removing many trace organics but is known to be less effective for neutral, low-molecular-weight organics.