Desalination Process Removes Toxic Metals

Desalination — the removal of salt — is only one step in the process of producing drinkable water from ocean or wastewater. Either before or after the removal of salt, the water often has to be treated to remove boron, which is toxic to plants, and heavy metals like arsenic and mercury, which are toxic to humans. Often, the process leaves behind a toxic brine that can be difficult to dispose of.