Electrodialysis is primarily used for what process?

Electrodialysis is a membrane-based process that utilizes an electric field to transport ions through selectively permeable membranes. This technology is primarily used in the desalination of water, which involves the removal of dissolved salts and impurities to produce fresh water. By applying an electric current, positively charged ions (cations) move toward the negative electrode, while negatively charged ions (anions) move toward the positive electrode. This separation effectively reduces the salinity of the water, making it suitable for consumption or agricultural use.

The focus on desalination highlights the specific role of electrodialysis in addressing issues related to water scarcity, especially in regions where freshwater sources are limited. While filtration, softening, and disinfection are important water treatment processes, they employ different methodologies and do not primarily utilize the ion-exchange mechanism that characterizes electrodialysis. Thus, desalination accurately represents the primary application of electrodialysis in water treatment.