Review of feasible solar energy applications to water processes

In the context of an upcoming energy crisis due to the decline of the Oil Era, water problems are expected to substantially worsen. And vice versa, due to the close relationship between water and energy issues, water problems are also expected to contribute to increased energy problems. Furthermore, environmental considerations, such as global warming, will surely add significant pressure. In this scenario, renewable energies are rapidly increasing their contribution to the global mix, with solar energy clearly having the greatest potential, and in view of the worldwide coincidence that where there is water stress and/or scarcity, there are also good solar radiation levels, the conclusion seems clear suitable technologies must be developed to permit the use of solar energy to simultaneously help solve energy and water problems. The main solar energy applications for water processes presented in this paper are: (i) solar desalination; (ii) solar detoxification and; (iii) solar disinfection.