Final answer:
Desalination is limited by its high energy requirement, significant capital and maintenance costs, and potential environmental impact. Strategies to overcome these challenges include improving energy efficiency, developing better membrane technologies, exploring alternative methods, and global scale implementation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Limitations of Widespread Use of Desalination
Desalination faces several significant limitations that hinder its widespread use. First, the requirement for substantial energy makes it a costly solution, especially for countries where energy sources are expensive. Second, the high capital and maintenance costs of desalination plants can be prohibitive. Third, desalination has potential environmental impacts, such as the disposal of highly concentrated brine back into the ocean, which can harm local ecosystems.
Efforts to Address Desalination Limitations
Scientists and engineers are working on various strategies to overcome these challenges. A) One approach is increasing energy efficiency within desalination plants through advanced technologies. B) Developing advanced membrane technologies, such as more efficient and durable membranes, is another focus area that could lower operational costs and reduce the energy footprint. C) Additionally, exploring alternative desalination methods that may require less energy or use renewable energy sources is a part of the scientific pursuit. Finally, D) implementing desalination on a larger global scale may also contribute to reducing costs through economies of scale and encouraging technological advancements.