What type of filtration is primarily used to remove small particles from water?

Membrane filtration is designed specifically to remove small particles from water, including bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic contaminants. This method utilizes semi-permeable membranes that allow water to pass through while blocking the passage of larger particles due to their size or charge. This high level of filtration makes it highly effective for producing clean water, especially in applications where stringent purity standards must be met, such as in drinking water treatment or in various industrial processes.

In contrast, activated carbon filtration is excellent for removing organic compounds and chlorine, but it is less effective at filtering out very small particles. Sand filtration can capture larger particles and sediment but does not have the capacity to effectively eliminate microscopic contaminants. Gravity filtration relies on the force of gravity to push water through a filter medium but, like sand filtration, is not as effective in removing small particles compared to membrane filtration methods.