DESALINATION AND ADVANCED WATER TREATMENT

Abstract

The global water scarcity challenge has reached critical proportions, necessitating innovative solutions to secure a sustainable water supply. This chapter provides a thorough exploration of desalination and advanced water treatment methods as pivotal components in addressing this pressing issue. The introduction outlines the growing global water scarcity challenge and elucidates the crucial role played by desalination and advanced treatment techniques in augmenting water supply. Section II delves into the fundamental principles of desalination, emphasizing the need to consider environmental factors and challenges associated with the process. This sets the stage for Section III, which extensively covers membrane-based desalination technologies. Topics include the widely utilized Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology, alongside Nanofiltration (NF) and Ultrafiltration (UF) processes. Additionally, the section explores innovative methods such as Forward Osmosis (FO), pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO), Electrodialysis, and capacitive deionization. Section IV shifts the focus to thermal desalination processes, offering insights into their principles and applications. Section V introduces emerging and innovative desalination techniques, showcasing cutting-edge approaches that hold promise for more efficient and sustainable water treatment. Recognizing the significance of pre-treatment and post-treatment strategies, Section VI examines their role in enhancing the overall effectiveness of desalination processes. The paper concludes with Section VII, which outlines future prospects and research directions in the field. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, offering insights into the diverse facets of desalination and advanced water treatment and guiding the way towards a water-secure future.