A Yale University study published in a recent issue of Science points out several ways desalination of salt water can become a more efficient and less expensive source for fresh water than it is currently.
Current technology that actually removes the salt from the water is approaching a point where it cannot be any more efficient. However, the study’s authors say that it is possible to more efficiently filter organic matter and particulates from the water before removing the salt. They say that improving that aspect of the process will help make desalination more affordable.
The authors also suggest combining steps. Usually boron and carbon, which occur naturally in salt water but are undesirable when using the desalinated water for agriculture, are removed after the salt is removed. A filter that could remove those two chemicals at the same time as salt would eliminate a step and further increase the efficiency of the process, they say.
