AGSM 105 Desalination

What is Desalination?

The process of turning saline water into freshwater

What is Reverse Osmosis?

The movement of fresh water through a semipermeable membrane when pressure is applied to a solution on one side of it

What role does Reverse Osmosis play in Desalination

When salt water is forced through a semi-permeable layer the layer acts as a filter to stop the salt molecules from going through but the smaller water molecules do.

What is Saline Water?

Water that contains significant amounts of dissolved salts. Also known as Concentration

What is Concentration?

The amount (by weight) of salt in water, as expressed in “Parts Per Million” (ppm)

If there is water that has a concentration of 10,000 ppm of dissolved salts, then what percent of the weight of the water comes from dissolved salts?

one percent

Parameters for Saline Water: Freshwater

Less than 1,000 ppm

Parameters for Saline Water: Slightly Saline Water

From 1,000 ppm to 3,000 ppm

Parameters for Saline Water: Moderately Saline Water

From 3,000 ppm to 10,000 ppm

Parameters for Saline Water: Highly Saline Water

From 10,000 ppm to 35,000 ppm

Parameters for Saline Water: Ocean Water

35,000 ppm

What is the salt content of the Dead Sea?

280,000 ppm

What are the two ways to Desalinate Water?

Running a Still and Reverse Osmosis

What is Distilled Water?

Water that has been boiled to become steam and then cooled to become water again.

What does Distilled water not contain?

Salts and Minerals

Is Distilled Water Safe to Drink?

Distilled Water is safe to drink.

What important minerals does distilled water remove?

Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium.

Is Desalination a modern science?

Desalination has been one of the earliest forms of water treatment.

What percent of water is wasted in Reverse Osmosis?

40 percent

What is a downside to desalinating water using Reverse Osmosis?

It is expensive

How many people does Desalination provide water for?

300 Million

Where is the largest Desalination plant in Texas?

El Paso

El Paso is

The larges inland municipal desalination in the world

What is El Paso’s GPD? (Gallons Per Day)

27\.5 Million

What kind of municipal desalination plant does Texas not yet have?

Seawater Desalination Plant

What is the name of the company that went out of business attempting to construct a seawater desalination plant?

M&G Resins USA, LLC

What percentage of Australia’s water comes from the sea?

45 percent

How much of Australia’s total electricity generation was from renewable energy sources?

21 percent

What are some Negatives to Desalination?

Brine, Environmental Impacts, Solution Limitations

What is Brine?

Extracted salts, minerals, and a percentage of source water mix to form a hyper saline slurry

Where is Brine waste commonly disposed in?

The ocean

What are some Environmental Impacts of Desalination?

Energy-Intensive. Increase fossil fuel dependence. Harmful to Marine Life

What are the Limitations for Desalination?

Expenses. Not efficient.