What size of particles can nanofiltration typically remove?

Nanofiltration is a membrane filtration process that is effective at removing particles in a specific size range. It typically targets molecules and particles that are between 1 nanometer (nm) to 10 nanometers in size. This capability allows nanofiltration membranes to effectively remove a wide variety of contaminants, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which are protozoa that can pose health risks in drinking water; bacteria, which can also pose health risks; colloidal materials and viruses; as well as divalent salts that can affect water quality and taste.

The vast versatility of nanofiltration makes it particularly valuable in water treatment, as it can separate not just microorganisms but also ions based on their charge and size, helping to ensure the water is safe and palatable for human consumption. This broad range of effectiveness distinguishes nanofiltration from other filtration processes, which may not handle such a diverse array of contaminants as efficiently.