|
|
Debunking desalination: the "Miracle Process" that can't cure the world's water woes.(CURRENTS)
- Article from:
-
E
- Article date:
-
March 1, 2008
- Author:
- Brannan, Paul
|
Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2008 Earth Action Network, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
With population growing and fresh Water resources running dry, desalination seems like the perfect solution to the world's increasing thirst. Just take some sea water, or brackish water from an underground source, and remove the salt. What could be simpler?
In principle, the process really is that simple. The salt is removed either through evaporation or by forcing the salty water through filters. But it takes a lot of energy and, depending on how it's produced, the end result could be more greenhouse gas emissions or nuclear waste.
Under pressure from environmentalists, Australian engineers are using wind energy at a new desalination plant ...