The specific raw water quality affects the number and type of pretreatment steps required ahead of desalination processes and the choice of the emerging technology. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a key parameter affecting directly the desalination process.
Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) ia a systematic metric/measurement system that supports assessments of the maturity of a particular technology and the consistent comparison of maturity between different types of technology.
TRL is measured on a scale from 1 to 9, 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. A TRL of 9 reflects the implementation of an actual system in operational environment.
Emerging technologies present many new possibilities and applications for diversifying not only desalination industry but also water treatment in general. Potential applications would include: seawater and brackish water desalination, wastewater treatment, water softening, zero liquid discharge, among others.