Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Membrane filtration technologies are classified based on their membrane pore size and the operating pressure required to drive the separation.
These technologies include microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO).
To retain all solids (including small molecules like lactose and minerals) and allow only water to pass through, a membrane with the smallest possible pore size is required.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the retention capabilities of the different membrane technologies:
1. Microfiltration (MF) has a pore size of 0.1 to 10 $\mu$m.
It retains fat globules, suspended solids, and bacteria, but allows proteins, lactose, and minerals to pass into the permeate.
2. Ultrafiltration (UF) has a pore size of 1 to 100 nm.
It retains proteins and fat, but allows smaller molecules like lactose, soluble minerals, and water to pass through.
3. Diafiltration is a modification of UF where water is added to wash out permeable solutes, rather than a separate class of membrane.
4. Reverse Osmosis (RO) utilizes a non-porous, dense polymeric membrane with an effective pore size of less than 1 nm (typically around 0.1 to 0.2 nm).
It acts as a molecular screen that rejects almost all dissolved and suspended solutes, including monovalent ions (minerals), sugars (lactose), organic acids, proteins, and fats.
Only water molecules can pass through the membrane under high operating pressures.
Therefore, Reverse Osmosis is the only membrane technology that retains lactose, protein, fat, and minerals.
Step 3: Final Answer
Reverse Osmosis is the membrane technology that retains lactose, protein, fat, and minerals.