Vol. 4 No. 2 Suppl. 1 (2020) - About Water: Novel Technologies for the New Millennium
Special Issue Article

Overview

Barry W. Ninham
Department of Applied Mathematics, Research School of Physical Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
Bio
Richard M. Pashley
School of Science, University of New South Wales, Northcott Drive, Campbell, ACT 2610, Canberra, Australia
Bio

Published 2021-03-22

How to Cite

Ninham, B. W., & Pashley, R. M. . (2021). Overview. Substantia, 5–8. https://doi.org/10.36253/Substantia-1155

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.