How to Split Salt and Water
It is estimated that 96.5 percent of the water on Earth is toxic saltwater within the oceans, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Subterranean water reserves may also be contaminated by salt deposits so, whether you are at sea or on land, you may need to split salt from water. Create a "solar still," which uses common household items and heat from the sun to split salty water into drinking water and salt crystals.
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Instructions
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Pour salty water into the bottom of a large bucket, filling it to a depth of about half an inch. In the center of the bucket, place a large cup or mug, taking care not to splash salty water into it.
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Cut a sheet of thin plastic into a rough circle about twice as wide as the bucket. Rest the sheet over the top of the bucket. Press down in the center of the sheet to create a conical depression at least 6 inches deep and directly over the center of the mug or cup. Place a pebble at the base of the cone to hold it in place.
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Secure the edges of the plastic sheet tightly to the bucket. Leave the bucket in a warm place so evaporation can occur. Allow the temperature to rise in the sealed bucket. When water evaporates from the saline solution and condenses on the relatively cooler plastic sheeting, adjust the cone and pebble to ensure that the water drips into the cup directly beneath the tip of the plastic cone, eventually leaving only the salt in the base of the bucket.
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Tips & Warnings
Improve the efficiency of the solar still by sealing the plastic sheet to the bucket using duct tape. This prevents water vapor from escaping.
Efficiency and speed of evaporation increase as the surface area of the saline water increases, so try using a wide and shallow container instead of a bucket.
Even the slightest spill of saline water into the central cup will spoil the drinking water.
References
Resources
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