
Saltwater desalination
Saltwater desalination is a process that removes salt and other impurities from seawater, making it safe to drink or use for irrigation. This is typically achieved through methods like reverse osmosis, where seawater is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks salts and contaminants. The result is clean, freshwater, while the leftover salty brine is disposed of separately. Desalination helps address water shortages in arid regions, but it requires significant energy and infrastructure. Advances continue to improve efficiency and sustainability of these systems, providing crucial potable water sources where freshwater is scarce.