POTABLE WATER FROM SEA-WATER

Abstract

THE possibilities of obtaining potable water from sea-water by some simple method suitable for use on lifeboats and in similar circumstances have been much discussed during the last few months in the daily Press and in other quarters. Some of the statements made and the opinions expressed have indicated lack of knowledge of the scientific and practical aspects of the problem and of the possibilities and impossibilities. In some instances the statements seem to be of obscure origin and to be reminiscent of the wonderful claims of alchemists of former times. There have been references to a mysterious method of obtaining Half a glass of drinking water by adding tablets of undisclosed composition to sea-water. In the circumstances, it seems to be desirable to direct attention to some of the possible methods of removing salt from sea-water to produce potable water, and to indicate their limitations.