Abstract This paper is a literature review of the feasibility of desalination plants in New South Wales. The paper also explores the environmental, economic and social impact of desalination plants as well as offering some practical steps that can be taken to mitigate environmental degradation courtesy of these facilities. Finally, the paper concludes with some alternatives to desalination facilities that might just work.
From the Paper "In recent years, the feasibility of establishing desalination plants in Australia has become a topic of much debate. The following paper will review the available literature on this subject and attempt also to shed some light on a matter that is often poorly understood by the average citizen. In particular, the paper will evaluate the feasibility of desalination plants in Australia and contemplate the long-term impact of these facilities upon the Australian environment, economy and Australian society. Moreover, the paper will look at how negative environmental factors arising from the creation of desalination plants in Australia (especially in New South Wales) can be mitigated; just as importantly, the following paper will explore whether practicable alternatives are available that might make the construction of these plants unnecessary."
Abstract This paper examines desalinization as a process of removing salt from sea water so that it can be used for drinking, watering crops or industrial processes. The author points out that, because water is so important to the very existence of life, the methods used in its allocation and distribution can't be ignored. The paper looks at two methods of desalinization.
From the Paper "Water is a very valuable resource. Water is essential for every organism on the planet in one form or another. Human's are no exception to this rule. For example Stephen Brooks and Lydia Milijan in Water Policy say, Water is essential for human life. We require water to sustain our lives, and about 83 per cent of our blood is water. Water helps digest our food, take in oxygen, transport body wastes, and control body temperature (Brooks and Milijan 262). The fact that water is so important to the very existence of life means that the methods used in its allocation and distribution can't be ignored."
Abstract The paper looks at the three main mechanical processes of desalination commonly used today: electrodialysis reversal, thermal desalination and reverse osmosis. The paper discusses how the preexisting water supply was not enough for Perth, Australia to handle all the new people moving to the city. The paper describes how Perth began using the desalination process of reverse osmosis to treat its seawater. The paper examines the problems of costs and energy sources as well as their solutions. The paper concludes that Perth's new reverse osmosis plant has proven to other parts of the world that desalination can be a clean, efficient and cost-effective process.
From the Paper "Desalination is a mechanical process by which saltwater from oceans can be converted into drinking water for human consumption by removing the salt. There are three main mechanical processes of desalination commonly used today; electrodialysis reversal, thermal desalination, and reverse osmosis.
"Electrodialysis reversal is the most intricate and cost effective desalination system of the three commonly used processes. Electricity is used to ionicly charge the salt in the seawater molecules, and then it is passed through an ion permeable membrane filtering the charged salt molecules. On the other side of the membrane, the water is clean and safe to drink. This process is problematic because of its extensive use of electricity, which is expensive and sometimes unavailable."
Tags: electrodialysis, reversal, thermal, costs, energy, sources, water
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the availability of potable water is a growing political, economic and humanitarian crisis facing many nations of the Middle East. The writer notes that the scarcity of water has become a political bargaining chip and source of conflict among many Middle East nations for years, and numerous threats could inflame this contentious issue. For example, the population of the Middle East is growing at a significant rate, which means less water is available per person, and some countries have not invested enough in water infrastructure. The writer maintains that for the region to have enough water to meet growing demand, it will have to focus on infrastructure development, equitable sharing, and new technologies, such as desalination. The writer concludes that while enormous challenges remain, nations that have launched bold water initiatives, such as the UAE with its aggressive deployment of desalination technology, have shown that successful outcomes can be achieved.
Outline:
Population, Access and Demand
Water Sharing Could Spark Conflict
Desalination Holds Hope
Conclusion
From the Paper " Desalination may play a critical role in helping the Middle East contend with its growing water shortages. While fresh water may be in low supply in the Middle East, there is a great deal of oceanic salt water. Desalination uses a thorough filtration process called reverse osmosis to remove the salt from brackish water and turn it into potable water. Certain Middle East countries have been particularly aggressive about investing in desalination. As the chart below demonstrates, 70 percent of the water supply for the United Arab Emirates now comes from desalination. "
Focuses on Florida. Examines the need for technology, processes, energy requirements, regulations, costs and the future. Includes graph, table and appendix.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 33 sources, 1999, $ 55.95
Abstract Water Supply Problems That Compel Desalination Generally.
Around the world, primarily in heavily populated zones of the temperate climes, available fresh water sources for municipal-scale, public water supplies have become overtaxed.
From the Paper "DESALINATION OF DRINKING WATER IN FLORIDA
Water Supply Problems That Compel Desalination Generally.
Around the world, primarily in heavily populated zones of the temperate climes, available fresh water sources for municipal-scale, public water supplies have become overtaxed. Either there are shortages, net of demand, or water has been reused so many times that the remaining resource is saltier than is healthy for beasts, plants, or people. At the same time, accumulated brine and even abundant sea water remain available, even inexhaustible, if only desalting technologies can be applied feasibly. Even where fresh water is available, moreover, some commercial processes or machinery require waters of very low dissolved solids contents, such as soft-drink or medicine manufacture or industrial boilers or cooling towers. For these ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the constant population growth in Los Angeles County and the ensuing problem of water shortage. The paper presents the statistics of water consumption and explains that county officials are obligated to implement water conservation measures to curb problems of shortage. The paper examines several methods of water conservation and explores the option of a desalination plant.
From the Paper "The population of Los Angeles County has done nothing but grow. As of 2004, it had reached approximately 10,103,000 (Overview, 2005), with only the promise of continued growth for the foreseeable future. For the period 2004 to 2014, the population of Los Angeles County is expected to increase by an average annual compound rate of 0.61%, according to a report from Integra Realty Resources of Los Angeles (Integra, 2005). According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the average Southern California household uses 500 gallons of water each day (Los Angeles, 2005). Assuming four people per household, that amounts to 1,262,875,000 gallons of water per day, or 460,949,375,000 gallons of water per year just for Los Angeles County. For the entire region of Southern California, the figure can only be higher."
Abstract This paper addresses where the world's water sources are located, what classes of contaminants are found in drinking water, how it is processed to become safe for human consumption, and lastly, special attention is given to the problem of lead in drinking water.
From the Paper "The type of water we generally use in human activities is freshwater. Only 3% of the world's water supply is freshwater and two-thirds of that is frozen, forming the polar ice caps, glaciers, and icebergs. The remaining 1% of the total world water supply is freshwater available as either surface water or ground water; ground water accounts for two-thirds of this amount. Surface water is water that is visible above the ground surface, such as creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Ground water is water that either fills the spaces between soil particles or penetrates the cracks and spaces within rocks. Most people get their water from ground water sources. Roughly 9 out of every 10 public water systems. Public water systems operate wells to tap ground water and just over half of the total population served by Public water system drinks water from a ground water source. Millions more get their water from private wells which also tap ground water sources. Ground water systems tend to serve smaller numbers of people, while surface water systems generally serve large populations. The quantity and quality of the world's water supply depends on how we choose to use water. Our use can be consumptive, which means that the water is not returned to nature (such as drinking water), or noncomsumptive. Nonconsumptive use returns water, polluted or not, to the system. Creating hydroelectric power is an example of nonconsumptive use. "
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the problems currently being experienced in delivering sufficient quantities of water to those who need it, followed by an analysis of potential alternatives and their expected consequences. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "In Greek mythology, Poseidon used his mighty trident to rule over the entire world's supply of water. Today, though, just ten enormous global conglomerates are exploiting the murky regulations that govern international trade to do just the same. According to the research presented in Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World's Water, an emerging water cartel is exploiting cross-border pacts such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to buy up--and potentially dry up--the earth's over-extended freshwater supplies (Siegel, 2003). The trend continues in California and other western states, where the business of water-rights trading, particularly concerning the Colorado River, is gaining momentum. Furthermore, the niche market for bottled water (as exemplified by Nestle, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo) has proven to be lucrative, yet largely unregulated."
Abstract This paper explains that, to understand the importance of water resource management, environmentalists must understand the importance of the geography and political structure of Abu Dhabi, one of seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), which is a feudal society with absolute power in the hands of the Sheikh and his ministers, located on the Arabian Peninsula. The author points out that the region has a fragile ecosystem, which already shows the effects from oil exploration, transportation and processing. The paper stresses that water is a precious commodity in the desert and every country in the region is actively investigating the options to make the best and most effective use of this commodity. Many charts, diagrams and illustrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Conventional and Unconventional Water Sources
Importance of Water Resource Management
From the Paper "Environmental protection groups and governments are constantly engaged in a struggle to critically identify the measures that can be taken to protect and save the environment. The need to develop a consistent tool that can be used universally by all countries is increasingly being stressed upon. One such tool is the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI). A product of the World Economic Forum, the ESI has been created to measure countries based on a wide-ranging and comprehensive set of factors that are designed to 'rank' to country. In reality, many of the issues and the concerns that are displayed in the ESI relate more to the concerns of the Western's more developed nations and many of the developing countries around the world feel pressurized to maintain standards that are not ideal for their situation."
Abstract The paper probes the dominant and prevailing maritime issues that Saudi Arabia faces and considers some means by which a holistic approach could improve management of Saudi Arabia's significant maritime resources. These include important shipping lanes, offshore energy deposits, bountiful marine environments potentially ripe for aquaculture development and even the possibility of desalinization plants to produce freshwater in a predominantly desert nation. The paper explains how the preservation of effective management of these resources will produce long-term development and economic benefits for the nation, as well as help the nation preserve its maritime heritage for generations to come.
Outline:
Introduction
The Extent of the Maritime Sector for Saudi Arabia
Maintaining Peak Efficiency
Unique Regional Security Concerns
Importance of Environmental Integrity
Adopting European Clustering
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "Saudi Arabia is not a nation whose fate has been historically associated with the oceans. Images conjured of Saudi Arabia will involve oil fields and vast deserts. At first blush, there seems little reason to even consider a maritime policy for the nation, let alone a rational and holistic one that incorporates information from many maritime interests and successfully coordinates policy decisions for all. This is a misconception. In fact, Saudi Arabia has an intimate and strategic relationship with two major oceanic routes: the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. As the importance of these routes is certain to grow in the coming years and decades, it is important for Saudi Arabia to consider today the means by which a sensible maritime policy can be devised and implemented."
Abstract This paper presents research, which shows the implications, by the year 2015, for a global defense company if there are cutbacks of more than 20 percent of the U.S. federal budget. The author presents an analysis of current projects to indicate how funding is used towards military sustainment and how projected cuts could affect those projects. The paper demonstrates how the employees of global defense companies, the military and the general population of the United States could be affected. The methodology for this study is content analysis.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Context of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Research Design and Methodology
Organization of the Study
What are the Research and Development (R&D) Options for Companies such as NGC?
Table:Government Contractors in Court
What Options will be Most Beneficial to the Employees and the General Public of the U.S.?
Table: Factors Mitigating the Impacts of Military Base Closures
Table: Recapitulation and Summary of Base Closure Journal Articles and Texts
Table: Recapitulation and Summary of Influences on Defense R&D Journal Articles and Recent Media Reports
Overview of Northrop Grumman
Table: Current R&D Initiatives by Northrop Grumman.
Overview of Boeing
Table: Current R&D Initiatives by Boeing
Overview of Lockheed Martin
Table: Current R&D Initiatives by Lockheed Martin
Potential Research and Development Initiatives
Robotics and Robot Companions for the Elderly
Water Desalination Initiatives
Video Games
Can the U.S. Remain a Superpower and Protect Its People from Terrorism while Reducing Its Military?
Conclusion
From the Paper "The quantitative aspects of the water supply have been widely studied as to specific regions of the world and it is possible to view these trends on a global level. According to Starr (1996), the next few decades are going to be characterized by conflicts - even wars - over increasingly scarce water resources. This author reports that, "Nature annually contributes in fresh water to the world's continents about ten times the world's water use for all purposes. On average, about 70 percent flows to the sea in seasonal floods."
Tags: adjustment options, content analysis, northrop grumman, water
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes water restrictions in Lubbock Texas. Specifically, discusses local water restrictions and the block billing system that the city council designed. The paper criticizes Lubbock's introduction of block billing and raising water rates as a tool for water conservation. The paper explains that the billing is based on faulty calculations and will result in home and business owners paying more than their fair share of water costs. The paper suggests that to really gain the support of residents, the City Council should reconsider block billing and the time period used to set the rates, as it is faulty, unfair and results in water mismanagement rather than conservation.
From the Paper "Block billing is a system of averaging water (or other utility) usage, establishing guidelines, and billing according to an average of water consumption for residential and commercial enterprises. In Lubbock, block billing for water was proposed and adopted in 2006, and went into affect in April 2007. The block billing structure was built on an average from September 2006 through February 2007, but this is a time when consumption is lower than in the warmer summer months. Thus, consumers will be penalized for using normal amounts of water in the summer, because the average is faulty and does not take into consideration the warmer summer weather in Texas. Using a time that water consumption is lower may seem to be a way to ensure consumers conserve more water, but that has already been proved wrong, as the system was only in effect a little over two months when residents were placed on emergency water restrictions."
Abstract The paper examines the current situation on the Olifants River and the extent of its pollution. The paper identifies market-based approaches to pollution control and considers the feasibility of applying similar market-based pollution controls in the Olifants River. The paper concludes with the recommendation that market-based pollution controls offer one of the best means of improving the quality of the water resources in the river. The paper appends several photos that require QuickTime and a TIFF (uncompressed) decompressor to view.
Outline:
Introduction
The Situation: Discharge and Pollution in Olifants River
A Solution: Trading Discharge Credits for Pollution Management
Application: Feasibility in the Olifants River Situation
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
From the Paper "A significant portion of the mining, agricultural, and power generation requirements of South Africa is currently managed with water from the Olifants River. Because of the very real problem of drought in the region, it is crucial that the water resources that available from the river are managed in an effective manner that efficiently distributes the limited resource to as many interests as possible in the highest quality form available. At issue is the matter of pollution of the Olifants River. This has been primarily attributed to runoff from existing and older, disused mines."
Abstract The author of the paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of water management with regard to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) and the Colorado River Aqueduct. With regard to increasing demands for fresh water and the decreasing amount of water available from the Colorado River, the writer examines measures that must, in the writer's opinion, be taken to manage water resources including the implementation of policies to encourage consumers to reduce water consumption.
From the Paper "The Colorado River Aqueduct and flow from the Colorado River is being managed relatively effectively today, largely because of the 2007 agreement. The agreement allows the MWD to create an "intentionally created surplus" (ICS) of water, and then store it in Lake Mead for use during shortages or droughts. The surplus water is a result of water conservation in farmlands, and the MWD is testing the program with Lake Mead officials now. There are things that could be managed differently, however. Consumers are the biggest users of water, and lawns and gardens are a large part of that usage. It would seem prudent for Southern California water districts to encourage homeowners to replace lawns and landscaping with low-water xeriscaping, as that would save a lot of water throughout the region. In addition, there needs to be more research and development into alternative technologies, such as desalination, underground water storage, and stormwater management."
Tags: water shortages, distribute rain snowmelt, drying up, trickle, lake mead, conservation xeriscaping desalination stormwater
Abstract The paper discusses how the lack of sufficient water has often materialized in numerous conflicts between neighboring countries. The paper focuses on the water shortage in the Middle East and the conflicts, past and present, between Israel and Palestine. The paper explains the causes behind the scarcity that include land occupation disputes, changes in the climacteric conditions and the naturally arid clime in the Middle East. The paper concludes by considering several possible solutions to this crisis. A graph and some diagrams are included with the paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Causes
History and Present Situation of Water Conflicts
Israel and Palestine
Conclusions and Possible Solutions
From the Paper "Even before food, two elements are vital for the survival of an individual, and for life on a planet to exist: air and water. The characteristics of water which make it indispensable for life are endless, including both personal consumption and hygiene, as well as natural and chemical reactions in the nature and atmosphere, without which no form of life would be able to survive. During recent years, the natural resources of water have begun to shrink. Record high levels of consumption, increased elimination of greenhouse gases generating global warming, climacteric conditions and larger than ever global populations are all contributing to the reduction of the globe's water resources. Within the United States for instance, only 40% of the entire water resources are still drinkable; one out of five people on the globe do not currently have access to drinking water (Leonard, 2008)."
