Researchers at the University of Michigan have presented a new membrane technology that could almost remove the waste load from the sea water relaxation. With porous, ionelective membranes, the Salze system focuses on the crystallization point, which means that minerals such as lithium and magnesium can be harvested and not unloaded. This procedure could transform the desalination from a waste-hired company into a circular economic model, which reduces environmental damage to marine ecosystems.
Pilot projects have shown that the membranes can also reduce the energy consumption of the desalzer compared to conventional methods. When the global shortage of water grows, it is crucial that the desalination is more sustainable and economically profitable for securing water supply in dry regions.
New membrane systems could make desalination more environmentally friendly and more profitable by restoring valuable minerals. Water technology companies, mineral producers and energy companies benefit from scalable innovations with low waste salt.
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Mike Blake/Reuters