SOLAR DESALINATION: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Rapid population growth and insufficient conservation of water resources in water scarce regions are but two reasons for the predicted water shortages that are likely to plague future generations. Desalination, over the last two decades, has seen major strides made in the production of potable water in large scale projects. Through continuous research and development new and improved methods have been found and implemented across the world. The viability of desalination as a reliable alternative potable water source has been proven on numerous occasions through various studies, projects and devices. This paper reviews the need for research into alternative water purification methods in general, desalination methods in particular, their working principles and mathematical modelling. The economics of thermal and membrane based desalination is noted.