The interest in efficient desalination processes is increasing due to the globally increasing water demand and decreasing available freshwater resources. Freshwater which is influenced by the seawater or geogenic salt deposits show high concentrations of monovalent ions such as sodium and chloride, as well as polyvalent ions such as magnesium and calcium. In contrast, high nitrate and sulphate concentrations usually result from agricultural influence. A complete desalination of water is usually not required since only a reduction of the monovalent ions is necessary. 

Therefore, selective membranes for specific retention of monovalent salts will be developed and integrated into newly designed electrochemical driven desalination modules. These modules will be used in laboratory and pilot scale desalination plants to identify optimised process and plant parameters depending on different raw water qualities and treatment targets. Moreover, for groundwater recharge and drinking water treatment, the resulting effects and challenges will be examined. The developed technology will be compared with international objectives such as the sustainability goals using a holistic economic-ecological sustainability assessment to identify recommendations for action. 

By choosing partners from industry, science and practice, the consortium can build plants, test and evaluate the innovative technology on-site with practical partners. The results thus contribute significantly to securing water resources, both nationally and internationally.

https://innovat-ion.webspace.tu-dresden.de/en-US

Dr. Victoria Burke

Laura Bräunig