The studys purpose is to assess the environmental consequences of desalination of seawater despite

the positive effects on the environment. The issues that are addressed here are the chemicals that are
discharged to the environment of marine, pollutants of air that are emitted and the demanded
processes energy.

There are different options that are existing to lessen the impacts of water desalination to the
environment. This includes systems that are advanced for the intake of the sea water, waste products
that undergo diffusion, pretreatment that are nonchemical such as ultraviolet filtration and wastewater
technologies that involves treatment. Better than selecting a site that is better for a desalination project.

Water desalinations main cost factor is the use of energy and there has been technological innovations
that greatly reduce the use of energy when performing such processes. Also, renewable energy use has
a great potential and this has to be further investigated to reduce the impacts on climate and quality of
air.

Avoiding ecosystems or habitats is generally recommendable when choosing biological and

oceanographic site. In order to reduce the impacts of the desalination process, good and reliable water
quality must be provided by the site. Waters that are subjected to pollution must also be avoided
because this waters have poor quality.

The potential impacts of desalination projects on the environment must be evaluated as much as
possible. Balance the concerns that remain to the effects of water supply that is alternative and water
management choices makes the use of the technology sustainable.

At present, the procedure of a standard environmental impact assessment is not available for evaluating
and minimizing the impact of desalination projects. The existing approach of EIAs should be assisted by
approach that is methodological and reference material that is particular to desalination projects for the
implementation of it on a larger scale. Basic information on important effects of desalination activity
must be included. All activities must be monitored to assess the impacts on the environment of each
project and a tool for making smart decisions for the balance of the positive and negative impacts of
other water supply options against each other.

Reference: Lattemann, S. and Hpner, T.. 2007. Environmental impact and impact assessment of seawater
desalination. Desalination 220 (2008) 115