Ban On RO Water Purifiers

GS Paper III Environment

Context:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directs the government to regulate RO-based water Purification Systems.

NGT directs MoEF&CC to establish regulations for RO based water purification systems, resulting in Water Purification System (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2023.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also notified the “IS 16240: 2023 Reverse Osmosis based point of Use Water Treatment System for Drinking Purposes”

Reverse osmosis is a multi-stage water treatment process that removes contaminants from unfiltered water, or feeds water when pressure forces it through a semipermeable membrane.
- In the final stage, the RO membrane, water flows from the more concentrated side (more contaminants) to the less concentrated side (fewer contaminants) to provide clean drinking water.
- The fresh water produced is called the permeate.
- The concentrated water left over is called the waste or brine.

RO Water

Osmosis: It is a physical phenomenon of water molecules from a dilute solution (high concentration of water) to a more concentrated solution (low concentration of water) across a selectively permeable membrane.
The solvent moves to dilute the concentrated solution and equalise the concentration on both sides of the membrane.
- It is Limited to liquid molecules.
- Liquids move from regions of high to low concentration.
Distinction between osmosis and reverse osmosis
- In their directional flow of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane.
- Osmosis entails the movement of water from a region of high to low water potential, whereas reverse osmosis involves water diffusion against the potential gradient.
- Additionally, while osmosis occurs naturally, reverse osmosis is a man-made process.
Diffusion: Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration. The overall effect is to equalise concentration throughout the medium.
- It occurs in any type of molecule, including liquids, gases, and solids.
- Molecules exhibit movement in both directions.

Wastage Of water: NGT reports that RO purifiers result in the loss of approximately 70-80 percent of water during purification.
Effects On Health:
- Healthy Minerals Discarded: After RO filtration water becomes short of vital minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium and carbonates.
- Dilution of body Electrolytes: Inadequate body water redistribution between compartments may compromise the function of vital organs.
- Losses of essential elements from food
- Increases the risk of various health issues like hypertension, coronary heart disease, ulcers, gastritis, etc.

Impact on land & Water Bodies: The RO reject can upset the land, surface water or sewerage system by deposition of Brine.
Impacts on Flora & Fauna: Salinity will affect the food chain & Biogeochemical Cycle.
Higher Economic Cost
Higher Energy Consumption

UV or UF Filters: These filters utilise ultraviolet light or a membrane to eliminate bacteria and viruses, ensuring safe drinking water without excessive water wastage.
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters effectively remove impurities and contaminants from water, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.
Boiling Water: Boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, rendering the water safe for drinking.

Additional Reading: National Green Tribunal

News Source: PIB

Also Read: Interim Budget 2024-2025

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