Key Difference: The main difference between a RO and UV purifier is in the process used by each for purification of water.  In RO (Reverse Osmosis), the water molecules move from a region of higher concentration to lower concentration using the force of incoming water and is passed through a membrane, after which the waste water and impurities are discharged through an outlet. Whereas in UV, the Ultraviolet Rays kill the germs and microbes present in water.

With the increasing concern of water pollution, the need of water purifier has risen and so also has their demand simultaneously. The two most popular kinds of purifiers available in the market are: RO and UV purifiers.

RO uses the method of reverse osmosis to eliminate dissolved impurities, heavy metals and chemicals from water. Heavy metals and other harmful chemical present in the water can affect your health adversely.

UV water filter system kills all the bacteria’s and germs present in water, making it free from any kinds of pathogen.

Let’s categorise the difference between both RO and UV purifiers in length.

PROCESS

RO water purifiers make use of semi-permeable membranes through which only water molecules can pass through and physically removes all kinds of impurities from water. The filtering holes of RO membrane is so small that even dissolved salts cannot pass through them. The water is free of any kind of germs, virus or bacteria making it very hygienic.

But in case of UV purifiers, the ultraviolet lamp kills the germs and other living organisms but fails to remove their bodies from the water. UV water filters are not capable of separating dissolved solids from the water.  UV water purifier disinfects the water eliminating chances of water-borne diseases but cannot free water of any dissolved chemicals and heavy metals. Care needs to be taken that the UV bulb needs to be kept clean free of any kind of dirt or algae deposition for the UV light to work effectively.