Q. The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits.
Ans: The world is grappling with an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater, driven by factors such as climate change, population growth, and pollution. This crisis threatens public health, food security, and sustainable development. To address this, several alternative technologies have emerged that offer innovative solutions to freshwater scarcity.
1. Desalination Technology
Desalination involves converting seawater into potable water using methods like reverse osmosis and thermal distillation.
- Merits:
- Provides access to an abundant water source—the oceans.
- Useful in coastal and arid regions with limited freshwater.
- Can support urban and industrial demand.
- Demerits:
- High energy consumption, increasing carbon footprint.
- Expensive infrastructure and maintenance costs.
- Brine disposal can harm marine ecosystems.
2. Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG)
AWG extracts water from humidity in the air by cooling it below the dew point.
- Merits:
- Independent of surface or groundwater sources.
- Suitable for remote and disaster-prone areas.
- Can be powered by renewable energy.
- Demerits:
- Limited yield in low-humidity regions.
- High initial investment and operational costs.
- Less effective in dry climates.
3. Wastewater Recycling and Reuse
This technology treats domestic and industrial wastewater for reuse in agriculture, industry, and even potable supply.
- Merits:
- Reduces pressure on freshwater sources.
- Promotes circular water economy.
- Helps in pollution control.
- Demerits:
- Requires advanced treatment infrastructure.
- Public resistance to using recycled water.
- High operational costs and skilled manpower.
In conclusion, while these technologies offer promising solutions, their scalability, affordability, and social acceptance remain critical to ensuring sustainable water security.