Desalinize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desalinize
[ˌdiːˈseɪlənaɪz ]
Definition
water treatment
To desalinize something is to remove salt from it, particularly seawater. This process is essential in making water suitable for consumption or irrigation in areas where freshwater resources are scarce.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The facility was built to desalinize seawater for drinking purposes.
- Scientists are developing new methods to desalinize water more efficiently.
- This technology can help desalinize water in drought-prone regions.
- Many countries have begun to invest in systems that can desalinize their coastal waters.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Desalination processes include distillation and reverse osmosis, both aimed at producing fresh water from saltwater.
- Around 97% of the Earth's water is salty, making desalination a critical technology in water-scarce regions.
- Desalination plants can produce millions of gallons of fresh water per day, providing essential support for agricultural and urban needs.
Technology
- Saudi Arabia is a leader in desalination, relying on it for about 70% of its drinking water.
- Recent advances in desalination techniques use solar energy, aiming to reduce environmental impacts and energy costs.
- Innovation in materials for membranes used in reverse osmosis has led to more efficient and sustainable desalination processes.
Environmental Impact
- The process can affect local marine ecosystems, as it often discharges brine back into the ocean.
- Balancing water supply with environmental conservation is a significant challenge for desalination projects.
- Many countries are exploring green technologies to mitigate the environmental effects of desalination.
Global Issues
- In arid regions, desalination provides a vital water source, contributing to food security and economic stability.
- With climate change affecting freshwater availability, diversifying water sources through desalination is becoming increasingly necessary.
- Countries facing droughts or population increases are investing heavily in desalination as a solution for future water shortages.
Origin of 'desalinize'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'de-', meaning removal, and 'saline', which relates to salt, originating from the Latin word 'sal'.
- First recorded use of the word appeared in the early 20th century as technology began evolving for water treatment.
- The concept evolved from earlier methods of distilling seawater, which dates back thousands of years.
The term 'desalinize' is derived from the prefix 'de-', which denotes removal or reversal, combined with 'saline', which refers to salt. The larger movement towards desalinization as a water treatment process began in the mid-20th century, although techniques to separate salt from seawater date back thousands of years. As concerns over freshwater depletion grew amidst global population increases and climate changes, the interest in desalinization technologies surged. The earliest methods of desalinization involved simple processes like boiling water and collecting the vapor, but modern techniques, such as reverse osmosis and distillation, have significantly enhanced efficiency and reduced costs. Desalinization plays a crucial role in water-stressed regions, providing an alternative source of clean water, and it is increasingly being pursued by governments and researchers around the world.