Desalination: From Ancient to Present and Future

Abstract

Water is life, and without water, there would be no civilizations and a vacant Earth. Water is considered an abundant natural resource on the earth. Water covers 3/4 of the surface. However, 97% of the available water on the earth is salty oceanic water, and only a tiny fraction (3%) is freshwater. This small portion of the available water supplies the needs of humans and animals. However, freshwater exists in underground, rivers, and lakes and is insufficient to cover all the world’s water demands. Thus, water saving, water reuse, rainwater harvesting, stormwater utilization, and desalination are critical for maintaining water supplies for the future of humanity. Desalination has a long history spanning centuries from ancient times to the present. In the last two decades, desalination has been rapidly expanding to meet water needs in stressed water regions of the world. Yet, there are still some problems with its implementation in several areas of the world. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the history of desalination for wiser and smarter water extraction and uses to sustain and support the water needs of the earth’s inhabitants.

Water Quality Focusing on the Hellenic World: From Ancient to Modern Times and the Future

“…In many coastal regions, desalination is also an option to increase existing water supply sources, particularly in big or megacities. In this case, also, the challenge will be to introduce desalinated water into an existing water distribution system without causing any unintended water quality problems [63]. Small-scale desalination plants and the combined use of the sea and brackish water would also be of concern for the near future for these areas [60,64].…”

Anatase-Cellulose Acetate for Preparing Antifouling Desalination Membrane

“…Desalination is a strategic option as an alternative and unconventional water supply for Egypt. [11], [12]. Egypt has large reserves of saline water (long sea beaches, saline lagoons, brackish groundwater available from different aquifers, and huge drainage networks).…”

An insight on Biocathode Microbial Desalination Cell: Current challenges and prospects

“…After World War II, significant research was conducted on various desalination methods in the United States, and first Industrial Desalination plant was established in the year 1961 in Texas. 3 Currently, various desalination methods such as thermal process, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, etc., have been explored. But these processes require high energy input for efficient removal of salt from seawater, which again depletes the renewable and fossil fuels.…”

“…Natural desalination is when water from the marine environment evaporates and then condenses back to pure rainwater. After World War II, significant research was conducted on various desalination methods in the United States, and first Industrial Desalination plant was established in the year 1961 in Texas 3 . Currently, various desalination methods such as thermal process, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, etc., have been explored.…”