Osmosis is the movement of solvent across a membrane induced by a solute-concentration gradient. It is very important for cell biology. Recently, it has started finding technological applications in the emerging processes of Forward Osmosis and Pressure-Retarded Osmosis. They use ultrathin and dense membranes supported mechanically by much thicker porous layers. Until now, these processes have ...

This paper presents some aspects of forward osmosis coupled with reverse osmosis using a recirculating draw solution, to produce desalinated water or for dewatering/concentrating a feed stream, with some data provided from a number of operational sites. Many of these aspects are applicable to other osmotic processes and provide an insight into where they may be appropriately considered. A compa...

Seawater desalination for agricultural irrigation will be an important contributor to satisfying growing water demands in water scarce regions. Irrigated agriculture for food production drives global water demands, which are expected to increase while available supplies are further diminished. Implementation of reverse osmosis, the current leading technology for seawater desalination, has been ...