Can desalination solve the problem with water scarcity, if not... what is the solution?
Can desalination solve the problem with water scarcity, if not... what is the solution?
Ivo, Student, Switzerland
Votes: 8 | Views: 2494 | Answers: 6 | Comments: 2
Answers
Matrices = Magic 8 ball
rather zero discharge and reuse
this was submitted by a water professional networked to me: Subject: RE: Desalination is not a long term solution of water scarcity. About 35% of concentrated brine (two pass SWRO) goes back to the sea & day by...
Water technologies for potable water production
With out any doubt Desalination technology is a promising field to mitigate the potable water scarcity around the globe. As of now it is energy intensive though previously the power consumption used to be 4.5 to 5.5 kW per cubic meter, now it has been brought down as low as 3 kW/cuM.
Still some low power consuming membranes are being developed with low fouling tendency which is the latest trend in the current research field.
energy
Desalination costs a lot of energy. If we solve our energy crisis then desalination can be a big part of the solution of our water crisis.
Desal will not solve water scarcity
Hi Ivo,
Desalination will not solve the problem of water scarcity. It is only one piece of the puzzle. Water scarcity is a much larger issue and will not be solved by a single technology or product.
Solving water scarcity will take conservation, preservation, recycling, reuse, legislation, regulation, new technologies, and wholesale changes in the the way humans behave. Source - BASF Water Professional
One thing to keep in mind is that while desalination is definitely one of the most efficient ways to provide clean drinking water, many areas of the world that don't have access to water will not have access to water in the future. To have clean drinking water you have to have access to water in the first place. The first step is to find a way to provide water to these areas and then worry about desalination/filtration after.
Water reuse should be considered before desalination because it is easier to treat/recycle wastewater and cheaper. Wherever it is possible to generate energy from wastewater, the option is even more attractive.