Feasibility of Different Techniques for Providing Fresh Water to Arid Regions (Essay Sample)

Feasibility Report
Students Name and Course Code
Class
Institutional Affiliation
Date
Feasibility of different techniques for providing fresh water to Arid Regions.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Purpose of the Study ……………………………………………………………….
Chapter 2: Background Overview
Analysis of the arid region…………………………………………………………
Chapter 3: Presentation of the subject matter
The two water techniques …………………………………………………………
Cost comparisons of the two water techniques……………………………………
Chapter 4: Productivity and Sustainability
Comparisons of the two water techniques …………………………………………
Chapter 5: Effects on the Environment
Comparisons of the two water techniques ……………………………………….
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation
Quick overview of the two water techniques……………………………………..
Chapter 7: References
Research References…………………………………………………………
1.0 : Introduction
Zereini & Hotzl, (2008), approximates that roughly thirty percent of the overall world land encompasses occupied arid and semi-arid regions. Water encompasses the largest percent of the most precious global asset ranging from its essence in variant industrial processes and agriculture. It is more paramount to note that water scarcity introduces vast intricacies to life. According to Rodrigo, (2006), global statistics reveal that roughly twenty five percent of the entire world demographics are unable to obtain pure and safe drinking water. Such shocking global logistics are drawing attention as fresh water inadequacy, and escalating costs takes over the hydrological stage arena.
1.1: Purpose of the study
The sole objective of this paper is to probe, screen and evaluate the degree of convenience of various techniques deployed to provide fresh water in both arid and semi-arid regions in the globe. This paper aims at reviewing the current state of the specific arid and semi-arid regions (such as Timbuktu in Mali) which will be closely followed by the conveniency rates of various techniques depending on their assurance or guarantee of fast, efficient and reliable fresh water supply. In this regard, this paper aims at expounding on both technological and economical prerogatives. This paper concludes this discussion by screening the expounded techniques and analyzing their comparisons then winds up by offering viable recommendations.
2.0: Background Information
According to Agnew & Anderson, (1992), vast semi-arid and arid regions such as Timbuktu, Mali encounter dire challenge of shortages in fresh water supply which in this scenario can only be obtained from seasonal rivers and lakes. Agnew & Anderson (1992) further affirm that regions across the Sahara desert such as Timbuktu in Mali have a limited and a confined provision or supply of underground water as well. This predicament is escalated by the prevailing condition of having increasingly salty levels of the available water as a result of vast aquifer disruptions. This hydrological study by Agnew & Anderson further points out that water demand in such arid and semi-arid regions is increasingly widening as a result of various aspects such as urbanization, industrialization and escalating population growth. Probing on the aspect that arid regions have a restricted supply of conventional fresh water sources, sea water desalination coupled with rare ground water sources remain the key water supply sources.
3.0: Presentation of the viable options
Marita & Phoebe (2006) assert that so as to offer convenience and guarantee of constant and growing life in arid areas, feasible options ought to be devised that offer convenient fresh water supply. To begin with, ancient and time immemorial water harnessing options such as drilling boreholes seem to own a limited convenience in arid areas. To offer a viable and contending fresh water supply to residents in such regions, feasible approaches which can ultimately achieve that goal includes distillation, processing and recycling of municipal water, technical mass harnessing ground water via the deployment of advanced water harnessing options. The aforementioned options are discussed below.
3.1: Sea water Distillation
Sea water distillation involves eradicating salt elements from saline water and consequently transforming it into fresh water which is safe and convenient for drinking.
According to El-Dessouky & Ettouney (2002), sea water distillation is considered one of the most ancient and popular methodologies of water harnessing and treatment. In this context, Diawara (1983) affirms that sea water distillation approach is extremely convenient and easily practical and reliable in provision of fresh water in arid regions. Furthermore, Diawara (1983) highlights that sea water distillation eliminates almost 100% of the vicious sea water hazards and contaminants.
Hydrological statistics reveal that as at the year 2003 over 13,000 sea water distillation plants were set in place and producing over 15 million gallons of fresh water on a daily count. However, despite the claims that sea water distillation has a relatively minimal water production which can hardly satisfy the global water demand, El-Dessouky & Ettouney (2002), affirms that sea water distillation has a commendable contribution or augmentation in the fresh water supply chain to semi-arid and arid regions. In this context, El-Dessouky & Ettouney (2002), asserts that wide installation and adoption of distillation plants in both semi-arid and arid regions would significantly elevate fresh water production and circulation in arid areas and hence consequently cut down the high demand for fresh water in such regions. According to El-Dessouky & Ettouney (2002), various states such as Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have already adopted sea water distillation plants to escalate their leverage to access of fresh water supply in arid and semi-arid regions. According to El-Dessouky & Ettouney (2002), the aforementioned states have reported commendable economic proliferation since sea water distillation escalated fresh water provision, which is a fundamental requirement for economic growth.
According to Nce.co.uk, (2010), sea water distillation has complex processes as shown in the figure below:
3.2: Processing and recycling of municipal water
According to Agnew & Anderson, (1992), the municipal sewerage system can often be processed and recycled under various specifications to harness safe and convenient freshwater fit for human consumption. A perfect illustration is the Moscow wastewater processing and recycling plant in Russia, which processes over 5000 gallons of waste water for both agricultural and industrial uses. However, as Marita & Phoebe (2006) asserts, it is intricate and complex to persuade the public that the freshwater obtained from such sources is pure and convenient for consumption. Marita & Phoebe (2006) argue that this is the key distincti...