As you know, humans cannot drink seawater because it is concentrated in salt.
This article will discuss different aspects of filtering saltwater and how to make it appropriate for drinking.
To answer questions like “Why can’t we drink saltwater?” is that saltwater dehydrates our body to a great extent.
Many people think that filtering saltwater efficiently is the problem, so, in this article, we will be answering the most common questions concerning saltwater.
Desalinating Saltwater
What if you know that seawater can get converted into drinkable water?
What would you do then?
Probably transform the undrinkable water into a drinkable one?
Here is where we would provide you with the answer: “How do you most efficiently filter saltwater?”
There are various ways to desalinate water. The membrane desalination method is considered to be effective. In this process, the water is thoroughly pushed through the thin membrane that contains tiny holes.
Water flows efficiently through the existing pores; however, the salt ions leave beyond that leaves the fresh water on the other end.
Use of MOF (Metal-Organic Framework)
In these specific findings, we would like to share with you the discovery of Amir Barati Farimani. In their conclusions, Amir Barati Farimani explored the capability of a new kind of membrane known as a metal-organic framework or MOF.
Such membranes contain an organic compound as well as a metal center. The metal and the organic compound connect to create a pentagonal structure that leaves a hole in the center that portrays it as a pore.
While there are various reasons for the framework to be useful, the primary reason is that it is thin. The framework is just a few atoms thick, resulting in less friction as water molecules pass via the pores.
Slow Movement of Water through Membrane
Besides, the placement of pores assists with permeation. When there are no adjacent pores, massive pressure from the wall on the molecule remains.
It makes the desalination procedure less effective. Water would move slowly via the hole as it is pushed against walls and then forced via small space.
Efficiency of MOFs Porous Structure
On the other side, MOF has various adjacent pores. There is zero pressure from the wall end. It provides them with the chance to pass simply through pores. MOF also has structural integrity as compared to various other materials.
In most of the materials, experts have to drill in tiny holes to create the required pores that restrict the amount done based on the surface area. MOS2 or graphene cannot do so for those looking to make multiple pores.
It is because structurally, they cannot hold enough pressure. However, owing to the honeycomb structure, MOF has an intrinsically porous structure. It enables a higher ratio of the pores to go through the surface area.
It also saves sufficient energy and time in filtering saltwater, as the pores do not require to be drilled or adjusted in size.
Difference between MOF and Membrane
Differences between typical membranes and MOF are highly notable; both of them, in terms of the swiftness of water passing through several rejected ions, can be understood by viewing the simulation of just a few pores.
Desalination plants can contain various pores that raise their efficiency to a different level. On a scale of big operation, it will be massive. Even a little enhancement in efficiency would infer a considerable leap.
Why Filtering Saltwater Efficiently Is the Problem
Most of the desalination procedure gives away a highly concentrated waste product composed of salts found in the seawater and chemicals utilized in the process.
The disposal method for concentrate involves the following:
- Dumping the same back into the ocean
- Injecting it in the deep underground wells
- Storing the same over above ground evaporation ponds
- Zero liquid discharge process that generates concrete waste products
Note that the process of seawater desalination is one of the costliest sources of producing freshwater. Total costs incurred in desalination include
- Planning cost
- The cost involved in permitting
- Concentrate management
All such expenses are too high, in terms of comparison with their alternative costs.
Energy Consumption in Desalination Method
As desalination needs massive energy, the plants are even very costly.
Energy consumption is one of the largest single expenses for the desalination plants that account for almost half the costs to create drinking water from the sea.
As per a report from the Pacific Institute, “desalination plants based on an average utilization of nearly 15000 kilowatts per hour of power can produce a million gallons of fresh drinking water.
And such high energy needs increase the concerns concerning emissions.
Environmental Impact on Desalination Process of Seawater
The costs involved in filtering saltwater are not only monetary but also environmental. Seawater can positively impact the desalination plants, destroying the small ocean beings such as baby fish, plankton, etc., that upsets the food chain.
There is even a concern regarding what happens with the separated salt left behind in the form of concentrated brine. Pumping the salty back in the ocean can be harmful to the local aquatic life.
While lowering the impact of salt substance is possible, it comes at a cost.
Tremendous costs, energy consumption, a threat to the marine and fisheries must make communities think again about the desalination solution.
Recycling and conservation programs are generally much less costly and risky alternatives for building desalination plants. Today companies are assisting businesses and homes to use their water efficiently.
By utilizing the water, efficient product choices with less sacrifice to product performance or quality, conservation of the most precious natural resource is possible.
How Healthy Is the Filtered Saltwater?
Saltwater is pumped from a depth over 200m; it is generally linked with the listed characteristics: high purity, low temperature, rich with nutrients, namely advantageous elements that involve calcium, magnesium, chromium, potassium, zinc, selenium, vanadium, etc.
Less photosynthesis of the plant planktons, organic decomposition, nutrients consumptions create lots of nutrients to stay there. Owing to this, saltwater has the potential to become an excellent source of health.
Findings have proved that saltwater helps overcome health issues, especially those related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, skin problems, etc.
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