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Desalination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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desalination

[หŒdiหsษ™หˆleษชnษ™สƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

water treatment

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water suitable for human consumption and irrigation. It is increasingly important in regions facing water scarcity due to droughts or increased demand. The two most common desalination technologies are reverse osmosis and distillation. Advances in this field aim to make desalination more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Synonyms

salt removal, water purification.

Examples of usage

  • Desalination plants provide fresh water for cities in arid regions.
  • The cost of desalination has decreased with new technology.
  • Governments are investing in desalination to combat water shortages.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The idea of desalination dates back to ancient civilizations who used simple methods to filter and purify water.
  • In the 1800s, scientists started developing more advanced techniques to treat seawater, leading to modern desalination plants.

Technology

  • Reverse osmosis is the most common technology used today, pushing seawater through special filters to remove salt.
  • Some plants use thermal distillation, which boils water and captures the steam, leaving salt behind.

Environmental Impact

  • Desalination can create brine, a highly concentrated salt byproduct that can harm marine life if not properly managed.
  • It uses a lot of energy, which raises concerns about carbon emissions and sustainability.

Global Usage

  • Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates rely heavily on desalination to meet their water needs.
  • As freshwater resources dwindle, desalination is becoming increasingly important worldwide.

Economics

  • Desalination is often expensive due to high energy consumption and technology costs, making it a less viable option for some regions.
  • Advancements in technology are gradually reducing costs and improving accessibility to this water source.

Origin of 'desalination'

The term 'desalination' originates from the Latin word 'sal', meaning 'salt', and the prefix 'de-', which implies removal or reversal. The technique of desalting water has been practiced since ancient times, especially in arid regions. Early references can be found in works associated with the Arab world, where saltwater was boiled to produce freshwater vapor. However, the modern concept and terminology of seawater desalination emerged in the mid-20th century when advances in technology made it more viable. After World War II, there was a significant increase in research and investment in desalination, leading to the development of large-scale plants in regions like the Middle East, where freshwater resources are limited. The process has gained attention in recent years due to the increasing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity globally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,394, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.