To make it usable, researchers are finding new ways to treat salty, brackish or contaminated water.

The technique known as shock electrodialysis applies an electrically driven shockwave to a constant stream of flowing water.

This approach is a fundamentally new and different separation system, Bazant says.

Scientists reveal shockwave method to desalinate salt from seawater

Nor does it require water to be boiled, an energy-intensive process, which consumes great amounts of energy.

Divided by an electric shockwave, the new technique coaxes water to separate on its own.

The salt doesnt have to push through something, said Bazant.

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Instead, the ions just move to one side.

It generates a very strong gradient, Bazant said.

It could also be used to clean and desalinize waste water generated by fracking.

Right now, fracking operators struggle to find safe and effective places to store wastewater.

The electric fields are pretty high, so we may be able to kill the bacteria, said Schlumpberger.

source: www.techworm.net