Earth is covered with 70 percent water, but only 2.5 percent out of that is fresh water, that is water which is fit for human consumption for their daily needs like bathing, cleaning, drinking etc. However, with the world population increasing by the day, there has been a lot of research going on as to how to use alternate sources of water. Ways like rainwater harvesting have been widely professed by many people. Another way is to make sea water drinkable. This is done using desalination pumps.
In this article we will be discussing the pros and cons of using desalination pumps
Pros
Bridging the water shortage in urban areas
All the big cities in the world have expanded to their maximum capacity, whether it is Delhi, Mumbai, New York or London. These cities are running at the max level with millions of people living in cities around the world. But almost all cities face water shortages. State governments and municipal corporations around the globe are scrambling for effective and efficient ways to provide drinkable water to the people. It is estimated that Saudi Arabia gets nearly 70 percent of its water from the process of desalination. Desalination pumps manufacturers play a big role in supplying water to desert and drought-affected areas.
W Play a big role in irrigation
Desalinated water is huge source of irrigation for crops that are grown in arid or dry areas. Even though crops like pistachios, almonds, figs, apricots and plums do not need a lot of water supply and their demand for water is met by the desalinated water. It also helps in proving water to the livestock in these areas. Also, in a country like India, where the general practice is to take the livestock to a source of water, the process of desalination proves beneficial as freshwater can be supplied right to their doorstep.
Water for industrial purposes
Only a handful of industries, like thermoelectric power plants, use saline water as part of their process. But most of the other industries need freshwater to carry out their operations. Industries like hospitality, medical industry, mining, battery manufacturers, nuclear powered ships etc. cannot do without constant supply of freshwater. Desalination plays an important part in keeping a constant and uninterrupted water supply for many such industries.
Also Read:- Reasons Why Vertical Turbine Pumps Are Favoured by Many Industries
CONS
Uses a lot of energy
At a time where there have been many calls by leading climate change experts and environmentalists to reduce the energy consumption of the world, desalination is a process that goes against it, as it requires a lot of energy to complete the desalination process.
Waste disposal harmful for the environment
One of the biggest concerns is regarding the safe disposal of harmful waste produced from the process. Desalination involves the use of chemicals like chlorine, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide. They can only be used for a limited period of time and once these chemicals lose their ability to clean, they are often dumped back in the sea, which harms the marine and aquatic life of the surrounding areas.
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