What is considered the most practical method of removing nitrates from water?

Ion exchange is recognized as the most practical method for removing nitrates from water due to its effectiveness and efficiency in targeting specific contaminants. This process involves exchanging undesirable ions (nitrates in this case) in the water with more benign ions present in a resin. When water passes through the ion exchange medium, nitrate ions are effectively captured and replaced with, for example, chloride ions. This method is particularly advantageous in water treatment because it can specifically target nitrates without significantly affecting other essential minerals and can produce high-quality water suitable for various uses.

The other methods, while useful in different contexts, may not be as efficient for nitrate removal specifically. For instance, reverse osmosis is effective for a wide range of contaminants but can be more costly and requires more maintenance due to the membrane fouling. Filtration may not effectively remove dissolved nitrates, as these ions can pass through many types of filter media. Chlorination is primarily used for disinfection rather than the removal of nitrates, and while it can address certain pathogens, it does not specifically target nitrate ions in a way that would make it a practical solution for nitrate reduction.