Using zero liquid discharge to increase water recovery from desalination is an emerging method to combat water scarcity, but is expensive, energy-intensive and comes with environmental risks. Researchers have optimized zero liquid discharge technologies for cost, energy consumption and land use.
Modeling and analysis reveals technological, environmental challenges to increasing water recovery from desalination
In desalination, seawater is filtered through a membrane that removes salts, leaving fresh water and a salty brine. ZLD can increase water recovery from this brine and reduce its volume, leading to more manageable desalination waste streams. While desalination facilities are abundant in countries like Israel, Australia, and Saudi Arabia where water scarcity is acute, the energy required to desalinate water at scale presents a significant environmental hurdle.
Dunn is a professor of chemical and biological engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering. She reported her findings in the paper"Analysis of Energy, Water, Land and Cost Implications of Zero and Minimal Liquid Discharge Desalination Technologies," published November 18 in the journal. Dunn directs the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience and is the associate director of the Northwestern-Argonne Institute of Science and Engineering.
Brine disposal also poses an environmental issue. Coastal desalination plants often pump the brine back into the ocean. However, the long-term effects of that practice are not yet known. A concern is that brine has more saline than seawater, giving it the potential to disrupt marine life in sensitive areas.
Desalination is costly, presenting problems for low-income regions that have the biggest issues with water access. Desalination plants are expensive to build, operate, and maintain, and require large amounts of energy. Some countries do provide subsidies for desalinated water; unfortunately, they can be insufficient.
"Desalination is crucial in certain regions, but it can't be the only answer to water scarcity," Dunn said."To make real progress, we need to look at it as one piece of a broader, more sustainable water management strategy that's adapted to the unique needs and constraints of each area."Northwestern University."Modeling and analysis reveals technological, environmental challenges to increasing water recovery from desalination." ScienceDaily.
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