Abstract

GRUESO-DOMINGUEZ, María; CASTRO-JIMENEZ, Camilo; CORREA-OCHOA, Mauricio  and  SALDAMAGA-MOLINA, Julio. State of the Art: Desalination Using Membrane Technologies as an Alternative for the Problem of Fresh Water Shortage. Rev. ing. univ. Medellín [online]. 2019, vol.18, n.35, pp.69-89. ISSN 1692-3324.  https://doi.org/10.22395/rium.v18n35a5.

Considering the scarce availability of fresh water, the accelerated growth of population and the contamination of water resources, it is necessary to look for alternatives to take advantage of the brackish resources and water from the oceans. Numerous investigations in the field of desalination processes -emphasizing in the separation by membranes-, have allowed the potabilization of sea water in economically viable conditions and without major problems. The objective of this article is to compile the main advances worldwide regarding desalination processes. As a result of the analysis of the scientific evidence found, some future challenges are highlighted, which include: use of renewable energy sources in the processes, reduction in the use of chemical products; use of innovative materials for membranes, the search for more effective and profitable pretreatment solutions, and reduction of the total cost of water for the consumer.

Keywords : brackish water; desalination; membrane separation; reverse osmosis; renewable energy resources.

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