This deep dive covers Desalination Processes (HT) within Water Treatment for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Water Treatment in Using Resources for GCSE Chemistry with 23 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 6 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🌊 Desalination Processes (HT)
Desalination removes salt from seawater to provide fresh water in water-scarce regions.
🔥 Distillation Method
- Process: Heat seawater → steam → condense → pure water
- Advantages: Removes all salts and contaminants
- Disadvantages: High energy costs, expensive
- Use: Middle East oil-rich countries
💧 Reverse Osmosis
- Process: Force water through semi-permeable membrane
- Advantages: Lower energy than distillation
- Disadvantages: Membranes need replacement
- Use: Most modern desalination plants
Environmental concerns: Brine (concentrated salt water) disposal can harm marine ecosystems. High energy use contributes to carbon emissions.
Practice questions for Water Treatment
What does the term 'potable water' mean?
Explain what happens to the sewage sludge produced during waste water treatment, and why this process is useful.