Question

For individuals living in areas where no freshwater is available, which one of the following would produce water that could be used for drinking? A. desalination B. groundwater mining C. sublimation D. transpiration E. saltation

Short answer

A. desalination

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

The question asks which method can produce potable (drinkable) water in areas where no freshwater is available. We need to analyze each option to determine its suitability for producing drinkable water.

Option A: Desalination

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to produce freshwater. This method is used in many parts of the world, especially in arid regions, to provide drinking water.

Option B: Groundwater Mining

Groundwater mining involves extracting water from underground aquifers. While this can provide freshwater in some areas, the question specifies regions where no freshwater is available, suggesting the aquifers may not be a viable source.

Option C: Sublimation

Sublimation is the process where a solid turns directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state, typically seen with substances like dry ice. This process is not used for producing drinkable water.

Option D: Transpiration

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air from their leaves. While it is part of the natural water cycle, it does not produce drinkable water directly.

Option E: Saltation

Saltation refers to the movement of particles (usually sand) in a leapfrog manner commonly seen in environments like deserts. It has no relevance to water production.

Conclusion

Desalination is the most suitable method for producing drinkable water in areas with no freshwater, as it can convert seawater into potable water.

Key concepts

Water Purification

Water purification is a crucial process in making water safe for drinking and other uses. It involves removing contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other impurities.
This process is essential for public health and is used in many applications around the world.
There are several methods for purifying water, including:

• Filtration: Passing water through filters to remove impurities.
• Chlorination: Adding chlorine to kill bacteria and other pathogens.
• Boiling: Heating water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
• UV Treatment: Using ultraviolet light to disinfect water.

Each method has its advantages and applications depending on the quality of the water and the specific contaminants present. Purified water is essential for drinking, cooking, and other daily activities to prevent diseases and ensure overall health.

Freshwater Scarcity

Freshwater scarcity is a growing concern in many parts of the world. This issue arises when the demand for freshwater exceeds the supply, leading to a lack of available water for drinking, agriculture, and other uses.
Several factors contribute to freshwater scarcity:

• Population Growth: Increasing populations lead to higher water demand.
• Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns can reduce water availability.
• Pollution: Contamination of water sources can make them unusable.
• Overuse: Excessive withdrawal of water from rivers, lakes, and aquifers.

Addressing freshwater scarcity requires a combination of conservation efforts, efficient water management, and the development of alternative water sources like desalination plants. Ensuring sustainable water use is vital for meeting the needs of current and future generations.

Drinking Water Production

Producing clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity for human health. This involves various techniques to ensure the water is free from harmful contaminants.
Some widely used methods include:

• Desalination: Removing salt and impurities from seawater to make it drinkable.
• Treatment Plants: Facilities that treat surface or groundwater to meet safety standards.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for use during dry periods.
• Groundwater Extraction: Pumping water from underground aquifers for use.

Each method of drinking water production must comply with strict health regulations and standards to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Continuous monitoring and improvements in water treatment technologies are essential for maintaining the quality of drinking water supplies.

Groundwater Mining

Groundwater mining refers to the extraction of water from underground aquifers. These aquifers are natural reservoirs that store freshwater beneath the earth's surface.
This method has been a reliable source of water in many regions. However, over-extraction can lead to significant issues:

• Depletion: Removing water faster than it can be replenished.
• Subsidence: Ground sinking due to the removal of water from underground.
• Saltwater Intrusion: Seawater entering freshwater aquifers.
• Reduced Water Quality: Contamination due to pollutants.

Sustainable groundwater management is critical to prevent these problems. It involves regulating water extraction rates and protecting aquifers from pollution.

Sublimation

Sublimation is a process where a solid changes directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This thermodynamic process is not commonly associated with water production but is interesting in scientific contexts.
Here are some examples of sublimation:

• Dry Ice: Solid carbon dioxide sublimates to gas at room temperature.
• Freeze-Drying: Removing water from frozen food by sublimation for preservation.

Sublimation plays a role in certain industrial and scientific applications but is not practical for water purification or drinking water production. Understanding sublimation helps in fields such as chemistry and food science where it can be a useful technique.