Reverse Osmosis

For the Nonengineering Professional

Perfect for anyone without a background in science or engineering who wants to take a closer look at how water is processed and treated, Reverse Osmosis: A Guide for the Nonengineering Professional relates reverse osmosis in its most basic form and addresses growing concerns about the quality of tap water. What is reverse osmosis? Not to be confused with filtration—which involves straining or size exclusion—reverse osmosis involves a diffusive mechanism and separation process that is dependent on solute concentration, pressure, and the water flux rate. This book describes all of the basic processes involved in reverse osmosis operations. Presented in a conversational style—using jargon-free language—it discusses in detail the drinking water purification, wastewater reuse, desalination processes, and other freshwater applications used to ensure the safe consumption of water.

The book also places special emphasis on pharmaceuticals and personal care product (PPCP) contaminants, which are not typically removed from wastewater by conventional treatment processes, however, they can be removed by processes using sophisticated membrane filtration. The author provides a basic understanding of membrane technology, and explains the membrane treatment process. He details how the processes fit together within a drinking water or wastewater treatment system and presents concepts that make up water and wastewater treatment processes as a whole. He also highlights advances in reverse osmosis technology and discusses relevant applications.

Presents a comprehensive coverage of reverse osmosis

Discusses fundamental processes and equipment used in reverse osmosis

Provides technical terminology in simplified form

Reverse Osmosis: A Guide for the Nonengineering Professional

Author Biography

Frank R. Spellman, PhD, is a retired assistant professor of environmental health at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. The author of more than 90 books covering topics ranging from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to all areas of environmental science and occupational health, he has been cited in more than 450 publications and is a co-author to well-recognized experts in various scientific fields. For example, he is a contributing author of The Engineering Handbook, 2nd ed. Spellman holds a BA in public administration, a BS in business management, an MBA, and both an MS and a PhD in environmental engineering.