Desalination Experiments
Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from water in order to make it potable for irrigation and human consumption. Desalination came into recent focus due to the lack of fresh water resources found on Earth.
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Purpose
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Desalination experiments have been increasing in number as people seek to create a low-cost source of fresh water. Since ocean water seems to be virtually limitless, desalination has been viewed as a good source of water for areas that are prone to drought. Desalination is utilized both for fresh drinking water and industrial uses.
Membrane Methods
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There are several methods of desalination; however, the major methods fall into two categories: thermal and membrane. Membrane methods typically employ either the use of an electrical current that attracts salt molecules through a membrane, or high pressure that forces water through a membrane.
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Thermal Method
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The thermal method of desalination applies heat to impure water, causing the water to boil and produce steam, which then condenses into purified water. This is the least sophisticated method of desalination, and is therefore the easiest method for home experimentation.
Home Experiments
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An easy way to do home desalination experiments is to build a thermal desalination unit at home. A pit lined with plastic, filled with tap water, covered with another layer of plastic and equipped with a collection cup can take advantage of the sun's heat and produce thermal desalination.
Considerations
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Desalination is still a relatively new technology and is far from perfect. The current methods of desalination can produce pollution and destroy wildlife. Although osmosis is widely used, scientists are still doing experimentation on how to make the technology more efficient.
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