What is the term for the liquid produced from the reverse osmosis process that contains a low concentration of dissolved solids?

In the reverse osmosis (RO) process, the liquid that successfully passes through the semi-permeable membrane, which has a low concentration of dissolved solids, is referred to as permeate. This process is designed to remove contaminants and impurities from water, allowing purified water to permeate through while rejecting larger molecules and ions. As a result, the permeate is characterized by its clarity and low TDS (total dissolved solids) levels, making it suitable for various applications, including drinking water production and industrial processes.

Understanding the nature of permeate is essential in wastewater treatment as it highlights the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system in separating clean water from waste. This distinction is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of various treatment technologies and the quality of the water produced.