DEMINERALIZATION PLULT/ 
solution for human consumption. For very small quantities, dis- 
tillation with solar energy may be recommended. For larger 
quantities electrodialysis may prove to be the best process, and 
for desalting of sea water both distillation with vapor compression 
and electrodialysis may be successful. Ion exchange will also be 
practicable for brackish ground water in smaller quantities. 
For desalting highly mineralized ground waters (5,000 ppm 
Cl’ or its equivalent), as occur in many parts of the world, e.g., 
Algeria, Morocco, Australia, and South Africa, electrodialysis 
may prove to be the unchallenged best solution, at least for 
application to animal husbandry. 
The present status of technical development does not yet 
permit applying demineralization to the large quantities of 
water needed for irrigation. However, in a more remote future 
the results of the research which is now going on in so many 
places and, perhaps, the availability of cheaper energy resources 
may lead to more favorable conditions. 
Consideration should therefore be given to means and ways to 
foster further investigations in this field, if possible on an inter- 
national basis. I therefore propose as a basis for discussion that a 
lasting contact should be established between the UNESCO 
Advisory Committee on Arid Zone Research, the United States 
Saline Water Conversion Program, and Working Party 8 of 
O.E.E.C. in order to promote worldwide coordination. 
REFERENCES 
General 
Annual reports of the Secretary of the Interior, U. S. A. “On saline 
Water Conversion,” 1952-1953-1954. 
Deéminéralisation des eaux salées, Presse/D(53)10, O.E.E.C., Service 
de Presse 4-8-1953, Chateau de la Muette, 2, Rue André Pascal, 
Paris XVle. 
Ellis, C. B. 1954. Fresh Water from the Ocean, Ronald Press, New 
York. 
Electrodialysts 
1. Arnold, M. H. M. and L. R. Seaborne. Ind. Chem. p. 295 (July). 
2. Wegelin, E. 1953. Bull. Centre Belge d’Etude et de Documentation des 
Wai aIcceenOy Zep te 2—loo. 
