In the face of escalating global freshwater scarcity, this review paper delves into the advancement of ocean water desalination technologies, highlighting their role in not only addressing the urgent need for sustainable freshwater supplies but also in extracting valuable minerals, with a particular focus on lithium, from saline water. Through an exhaustive analysis, we evaluate the operational principles, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental ramifications of cutting-edge desalination methods. A special emphasis is placed on Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) techniques, underscoring their environmental merits and the sustainable handling of residual minerals. This analysis draws attention to the dual benefit of securing freshwater resources while facilitating the recovery of essential resources, thereby contributing to a circular economy and diminishing the environmental impact of desalination practices.
This review further explores the significance of lithium extraction from seawater in the context of the electric vehicle (EV) market. By leveraging advanced ZLD technologies and focusing on the valorization of resources like lithium, this strategy not only aims to curtail detrimental brine release into oceanic ecosystems but also propels economic advancement through resource recovery. This approach marks a pivotal step towards achieving environmental sustainability, presenting a comprehensive solution to freshwater scarcity that simultaneously caters to the growing demand for lithium in the EV sector. By promoting ecological stewardship and resource efficiency, our review advocates for the adoption of desalination technologies that embody both economic viability and environmental sustainability.
