What is reverse osmosis desalination? | Sustainability - ACCIONA

Summary

This video explores the process of desalination, focusing on reverse osmosis, which transforms seawater into freshwater. The script explains how reverse osmosis works by forcing seawater through a semipermeable membrane, removing salt and producing clean water. It highlights the environmental benefits of reverse osmosis, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and minimal impact on marine ecosystems. The process also includes pre-treatment, brine dilution, and remineralization of freshwater before distribution. The video emphasizes reverse osmosis as the most advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly desalination method available today.

Takeaways

• 😀 98% of Earth's water is saltwater, while only 2% is freshwater used by homes, farms, and industries.
• 😀 40% of the global population does not have access to freshwater, and some people must travel miles to find it.
• 😀 Desalination technology, specifically reverse osmosis, can provide freshwater from saltwater.
• 😀 Reverse osmosis is a physical process where water with lower concentration moves toward water with higher concentration across a semipermeable membrane.
• 😀 In reverse osmosis, seawater is forced through a membrane, separating salt from water and producing freshwater.
• 😀 After initial treatment to remove impurities, saltwater undergoes reverse osmosis to create freshwater and brine.
• 😀 The brine solution is diluted before being returned to the sea, minimizing harm to the marine ecosystem.
• 😀 The freshwater produced undergoes remineralization and chlorination before being stored and distributed for consumption.
• 😀 Reverse osmosis is the most advanced and efficient desalination method available today.
• 😀 Reverse osmosis generates significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to other desalination technologies.
• 😀 Reverse osmosis does not harm the marine environment and can recover a significant portion of the energy used in the process.

Q & A

What percentage of Earth's water is saltwater, and where is it found?

98% of Earth's water is saltwater, found in seas and oceans.

How much of Earth's water is freshwater, and what is it used for?

2% of Earth's water is freshwater, and it is used by homes, farms, and industry.

Why is freshwater not easily accessible to everyone?

40% of people cannot access freshwater, and some have to travel long distances to find it.

What is desalination, and how does it help in providing freshwater?

Desalination is the process of removing salt from seawater to provide freshwater, especially in areas where freshwater is scarce.

What is reverse osmosis, and how does it work?

Reverse osmosis is a process where seawater, a highly concentrated solution, is forced through a semipermeable membrane under pressure, leaving the salt behind and producing freshwater.

What happens to the remaining water after the reverse osmosis process?

The remaining water, known as brine, still contains salt and is diluted before being returned to the sea to avoid harming the marine ecosystem.

What is the purpose of the remineralisation and chlorination process in desalination?

The remineralisation process adds necessary minerals back into the freshwater, and chlorination ensures the water is safe for consumption before it enters the distribution network.

Why is reverse osmosis considered the most advanced desalination technology?

Reverse osmosis is considered the most advanced because it is the most efficient system, generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to other desalination technologies.

How does reverse osmosis impact the environment?

Reverse osmosis doesn't harm the marine environment and generates up to 4.5 times fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other desalination technologies.

How is energy efficiency managed in the reverse osmosis desalination process?

Reverse osmosis is able to recover a large part of the energy used in the process, making it more energy-efficient.