Desalting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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desalting
[dɪˈsɔltɪŋ ]
Definition
water treatment
Desalting refers to the process of removing salts and minerals from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water suitable for drinking and irrigation. This process is critical in areas where freshwater resources are scarce or over-exploited. Various methods for desalting exist, including reverse osmosis, distillation, and electrodialysis. The desalting process has gained significant attention in recent years due to increasing water scarcity issues caused by population growth and climate change.
Synonyms
desalination, salt removal.
Examples of usage
- The desalting plant provides fresh water for the community.
- Desalting is essential in arid regions.
- Recent technologies have made desalting more efficient.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Desalting processes include methods like reverse osmosis and distillation, which separate salt from water.
- About 3% of the world's drinking water comes from desalination, highlighting its growing importance in water-scarce areas.
Technology
- The first large-scale desalination plant was built in 1930 in Santa Barbara, California.
- Advancements in solar desalination are helping create more sustainable and energy-efficient ways to produce clean water.
Environment
- Desalination can impact local marine environments, as it often involves drawing large amounts of seawater and can harm aquatic life.
- Waste from the desalting process, known as brine, can raise salinity levels in oceans if not managed properly.
Economics
- Desalting is often considered expensive, requiring significant energy and technology investments.
- As climate change affects freshwater supplies, many countries are exploring desalination as a viable alternative to traditional water sources.
Origin of 'desalting'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'desalting' combines 'de-' meaning removal and 'salt,' referring to the mineral.
- First known use of the word dates back to the early 20th century when technology for removing salt from water began to develop.
The word 'desalting' originates from the prefix 'de-', which means 'removal of', combined with 'salt', a potent symbol of the mineral composition in seawater. The term began to gain traction in the early 20th century as methods for converting seawater into drinkable water were developed. As the need for alternative water sources increased due to population growth and environmental challenges, technologies surrounding desalting advanced significantly. The first practical desalination plant was established in the 1950s, and since then, the term has been integral to discussions about sustainable water management and environmental engineering. The science of desalting has rapidly evolved into a crucial field aimed at addressing the pressing global challenge of freshwater scarcity.