Seawater desalination is a process using which
dissolved minerals including salts are removed from the seawater.
Despite water is a superabundant natural resource on the planet, but
still the available clean drinking water is just only 0.3 percent of the
world's total amount of water. The source of natural fresh water is
limited so sea water can play and is playing important role to meet the
drinking water demand. However, the sea water before can be used must be
treated (desalinated) which is not an easy task.
Seawater can be desalinated using various techniques and methods.
Distillation is a primary technique used for desalination. However, the
process is energy intensive. "One t" of drinking water is
obtained by using 620 kWh of evaporation enthalpy. In reverse osmosis on
the other hand the energy demand can be reduced to 7 kWh. Other method
that can be used is electrodialysis (ion exchange). Lot of factors
should be considered before choosing an appropriate technology.
Processes for Seawater Desalination
Sea water can be desalinated using following techniques:
