What is the log removal efficiency for Reverse Osmosis concerning viruses?

The log removal efficiency for reverse osmosis (RO) concerning viruses is typically in the range of 4-5 log. This means that reverse osmosis can effectively remove up to 99.99% to 99.999% of viruses present in water. The high removal rate is due to the physical separation mechanism of RO, where water is forced through semi-permeable membranes that have very small pore sizes. These membranes can block not only larger particles and pathogens but also smaller viruses due to their dimensions.

The capability of RO systems to achieve such a high log removal of viruses makes them an essential component in advanced water treatment processes, especially when the goal is to ensure safe drinking water by eliminating viral pathogens. Given the significant health risks that viruses can pose, achieving a log removal of 4-5 is vital in maintaining public health standards.