Overview [Substantia 4(2) Suppl.: 5-8]

Abstract

It is an indisputable observation, beyond climate change: that the urgent development of simple new technologies, to ensure the supply of quality fresh water for cities and towns, industry and agriculture, presents an existential challenge for humanity.

Several novel technologies that fill that need show that the job is not impossible. They are summarized in this volume. They are environmentally friendly and inexpensive.

They include techniques for seawater desalination, wastewater sterilization –including viruses-, selective removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, efficient concentration of wastewater slimes to recycle water, and the prevention of water cavitation for much cheaper transport. Other new techniques like high temperature reactions achieved in low temperature water, and low energy desalination are in the wings. Borrowing from biology , new and edible class of surfactants is environmentally friendly, and can replace standard surfactants in present useage. The new technologies are cheap and scalable.