What is the most practical method for removing nitrates from water?

Ion exchange is indeed the most practical method for removing nitrates from water. This process involves the use of resin beads that have a high affinity for specific ions. In the case of nitrates, the resin exchanges its own ions (often chloride) for nitrate ions in the water. As water passes through the ion exchange system, the nitrates are effectively removed, making this method particularly efficient for treating water with moderate to high levels of nitrate contamination.

This method is favored in many water treatment applications because it can be tailored to specific water quality needs, is relatively easy to operate, and can be regenerated for continued use, enhancing its practicality. It is also effective at lower concentrations of nitrates, providing a reliable solution for communities that rely on groundwater sources.

Other methods, while they may also reduce nitrates, are either less efficient or more complex. For example, reverse osmosis can remove nitrates but may come with higher operational costs and energy requirements. Lime softening is primarily used for hard water treatment and is not as effective against nitrates specifically. Double reverse osmosis, while theoretically capable of further purifying water, can be overly complicated and not cost-effective for everyday applications compared to ion exchange.