Water. Desalination + reuse
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/640467
I came to D&WR armed with a background in chemistry research and 25 years reporting on energy which prepared me in part for the stint as editor. But it has been eye-opening to witness the change in how the desalination and water reuse sector sees its future. And that change has gathered pace during my brief stint at the D&WR helm. The desalination and water reuse industry has been steadily improving its environmental and economic performance. This reputational improvement has been helped in part by the impact of severe drought on major economies – developed and developing. When choice isn't an option then necessity is what's left. Necessity – the mother of invention. The growing threat and reality of water shortages has fuelled a thirst for new technological answers to the challenges in seeking better, faster and cheaper – altogether more sustainable water purification methods. Innovation in technology has made great strides towards shaving down the energy toll taken by seawater desalination. But the financial and ecological allure of making something from less than nothing - waste - is overwhelming. So the standard bearer in the charge to rehabilitate desalination has been the reuse or recycling of industrial and municipal effluent flows. Reuse has fulfilled this role either as a new source of potable water or as a means to mitigate industrial burden on rivers and other potential sources of ultimately potable water. We highlight in this issue a collection of research projects that are or may become contenders for a commercial future. It includes a groundbreaking non-thermal yet membrane- free method pioneered at MIT. Water scarcity has brought existing technologies in from the sidelines. In this issue we see how forward osmosis has found a market in zero liquid discharge and Oasys Water's chief tells us where it's at while BlueTech points to where it might go. Meanwhile Aquatech's boss offers some insight into the true value of technology. He offers a nice one-line summary of how technologies are emerging into the commercial dawn. However new opportunities beckon and the time has come for me to leave D&WR and move on to new projects. When I took the helm I said steady as she goes would be my guiding line. But of course D&WR must track the many accelerating shifts in pace and direction as the industry restores its commercial strength and moves into changing straits. I made a request in my first leader for readers' thoughts on what D&WR might continue to cover and what it might drop. My successor doubtlessly would welcome similar messages as new opportunities, new technologies and new regions create greater possibilities in desalination and water reuse. This industry, like myself, is moving on. Farewell and adieu. Dr Trevor Loveday COMMENT Back on my recycle editor'scorner | 6 | desalination & Water reuse | February-March 2016 Solutions for a Sustainable Future Highest Quality TORAY membrane elements are manufactured using the latest technologies and materials, delivering state-of-the-art products. Because quality control is an essential step in ensuring superior performance, our manufacturing process is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Full Product Range With a proven track record in high-end membrane development, TORAY is the only manufacturer offering all types of membranes for the water and wastewater treatment industry, especially RO, NF, UF and MBR. Global Supply with Local Expertise TORAY sells and distributes its products throughout the world, while providing expert support and service locally and in person. No matter where you need assistance, TORAY makes sure that you have on-site access to its expertise. Our commitment starts here. RO / NF membranes UF membranes MBR membranes For more information visit www.toraywater.com or contact our regional office. Asia (Japan) TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC. Head Office Phone: +81-3-3245-4540 Fax: +81-3-3245-4913 North & South America TORAY MEMBRANE USA, INC. Phone: +1-858-218-2360 Fax: +1-858-218-2380 Europe TORAY MEMBRANE EUROPE AG Phone: +41-61-415-8710 Fax: +41-61-415-8720 Middle East (except Saudi Arabia) TORAY MEMBRANE EUROPE (MIDDLE EAST BRANCH) Phone: +971-4-392-8811 Fax: +971-4-395-8639 Asia (China) TORAY BLUESTAR MEMBRANE CO., LTD. Phone: +86-10-8048-5216 Fax: +86-10-8048-5217 Asia (Singapore) TORAY ASIA PTE. LTD. Phone: +65-6226-0525 Fax: +65-6226-0509