Seawater Desalination Research Articles (Page 1)

Seawater desalination through novel C3N3 membrane: a molecular dynamics study

Seawater desalination by multistage flow-electrode capacitive deionization with graded electric field and electrode salinity

Eco-friendly and energy efficient flowable surface modified carbon electrode materials in flow electrode capacitive deionization for heavy metal adsorption and energy recovery.

Seawater desalination has emerged as a crucial solution for addressing global freshwater scarcity. However, it generates significant volumes of concentrated brine waste. This brine is rich in dissolved salts and minerals, primarily, chloride (55%), sodium (30%), sulfate (8%), magnesium (4%), calcium (1%), potassium (1%), bicarbonate (0.4%), and bromide (0.2%), which are often discharged into marine environments, posing ecological challenges. This study presents a comprehensive global review of innovative technologies for recovering these constituents as valuable products, thereby enhancing the sustainability and economic viability of desalination. The paper evaluates a range of proven and emerging recovery methods, including membrane separation, nanofiltration, electrodialysis, thermal crystallization, solar evaporation, chemical precipitation, and electrochemical extraction. Each technique is analyzed for its effectiveness in isolating salts (NaCl, KCl, and CaSO4) and minerals (Mg(OH)2 and Br2), with a discussion of process-specific constraints, recovery efficiencies, and product purities. Furthermore, the study incorporates a detailed techno-economic assessment, highlighting revenue potential, capital and operational expenditures, and breakeven timelines. Simulated case studies of a 100,000 m3/day seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility demonstrates that a sequential brine recovery process and associated energy balances, supported by pilot-scale data from ongoing global initiatives, can achieve over 90% total salt recovery while producing marketable products such as NaCl, Mg(OH)2, and Br2. The estimated revenue from recovered materials ranges between USD 4.5 and 6.8 million per year, offsetting 65–90% of annual desalination operating costs. The analysis indicates a payback period of 3–5 years, depending on recovery efficiency and product pricing, underscoring the economic viability of large-scale brine valorization alongside its environmental benefits. By transforming waste brine into a source of commercial commodities, desalination facilities can move toward circular economy models and achieve greater sustainability. A practical integration framework is proposed for both new and existing SWRO plants, with a focus on aligning with the principles of a circular economy. By transforming waste brine into a resource stream for commercial products, desalination facilities can reduce environmental discharge and generate additional revenue. The study concludes with actionable recommendations and insights to guide policymakers, engineers, and investors in advancing brine mining toward full-scale implementation.

Effect of fabrication methods on the performance of electrospun PVA/chitosan FO membranes in seawater desalination

Bioinspired PVA/CS/WPU@c-MWCNTs aerogel for concurrent highly efficient freshwater generation and hydrovoltaic power production.

Marine quorum quenching consortium for biofouling control in membrane bioreactor under salinity stress.

Statistical techno-commercial analysis of nuclear cogeneration projects: The case of potable water production by nuclear desalination of seawater using small modular reactors (SMRs)

Sea water desalination sludge perspectives for circular economy; A case study of Persian Gulf desalination plant

Design of EVOH nanofibers aerogel integrated with phase change materials for sustained solar-driven seawater desalination

Multi-objective seasonal peak-shaving scheduling optimization for nuclear-powered seawater desalination in electricity spot markets

Mechanistic investigation on the enhanced heat and mass transfer in vacuum membrane distillation for seawater desalination

LCA methodological choices and environmental impacts performance of an integrated seawater desalination and brine treatment system

Inspired by turtle: 3D raised knitted solar evaporator achieves efficient seawater desalination

Thermo-technical assessment of hydrogen production and seawater desalination coupled with the 4x160 MWth NuScale SMR project

Self-floating porous cement-based photothermal interface evaporator for stable and large-scale seawater desalination

Regulating solar desalination of the covalent organic framework aerogel via side group engineering and photothermal coating layout.

Resolving Disputes Arising from PPP Contracts on Seawater Desalination Plants: The Independent Expert as the Most Effective Means

Performance analysis of Carnot battery and its coupled seawater desalination system based on Kalina cycle discharge process

Sustainable and selective capture of Ca2+/Mg2+ from seawater desalination brines via hierarchical chitosan-based biochar aerogel adsorption