Membranes for water treatment applications - An overview

Water is one of the basic requirements for the survival of life on this planet. However, the total quantity of fresh water on the planet is finite while the world population and its water usage are fast increasing due to industrialization and urbanization (Kirby, A. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ science/nature/3747724.stm). Only 1% of the water available on earth can be consumed without processing, filtering or melting polar ice caps. The solution to this problem can be achieved by water conservation and guiding research and technology towards sustainable water purification. Although seventy percent of earth's surface is covered with water, ninety seven percent of this water is contained in oceans, making it unsuitable for drinking or any other application due to its high salt content. Of the remaining three percent of fresh water, only 0.3% is found in rivers and lakes and or remains frozen. These numbers clearly indicate the necessity for exploring the waters from other than fresh water sources, i.e. ocean waters and used waters to elude the impending global water crisis. The refinement of these waters through various techniques is a requirement for the survival of life on this planet.