Water Treatment Chemistry, Dissolved Substances - Ions

This lesion describes the practical aspects of ionization and what effects this has on the treatment of water by reverse osmosis membranes. Although there are several theories describing how RO works, one basic factor allowing this separation is the charge on the ions dissolved in the water. Ions are important for other reasons in RO water treatment. Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid, are used in membrane cleaning. Other ions, such as those created by high or low pH, will cause damage to some membranes. Still other ions, such as hypochlorite ion, aid in the killing of bacteria.

1. When given an exam, be able to correctly calculate molarity of solutions and identify terms associated with dissolved substances (ions), including: dissociation of ions, acids and bases, pH, oxidation and reduction, and chlorination.