Desalination
What Desalination means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Desalination
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Desalination in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Treatment needed when the only supply is seawater, which contains a high concentration of dissolved salts, for example by distillation or by processes using membranes.
Treatment needed for salty water because dissolved sodium chloride cannot be removed by filtration or sterilisation, carried out by distillation or reverse osmosis.
A process by distillation or reverse osmosis that may be needed in dry coastal regions because seawater is not fresh water, and which uses large amounts of energy.
Removal of dissolved salts from seawater or salty water by distillation or reverse osmosis, which uses large amounts of energy.
Removal of dissolved salts by distillation or reverse osmosis, needing large amounts of energy so it is expensive.
Removes dissolved salts from salty water or sea water when supplies of fresh water are limited.
Topics that use Desalination
- Potable water (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
Using Desalination in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge