The search for water purification strategies for both human consumption and other uses has been the focus of numerous research efforts, especially in countries where freshwater reserves are scarce. At the current rate, it is estimated that by 2030, 1.6 billion people worldwide will not have access to drinking water (United Nations, 2022). Despite the availability of seawater as a potential source for use, desalination technology is indeed functional in addressing problems associated with various water functions and needs (SHEMER, WALD, and SEMIAT, 2023). However, current desalination methods, especially reverse osmosis, result in water that is unfit for use and consumption. This is because the process produces purified water that is free of contaminants but also demineralized, removing 99% of minerals and lacking in essential nutrients previously contained in high concentrations.

Consuming water without minerals can lead to dehydration and serum mineral imbalance, to the extent that the WHO, in a document published in 2009, required that water for human consumption must ensure concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This is aimed at minimizing the risk of cardiac issues, reducing the risk of kidney stones, hypertension, vascular accidents, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, and bone demineralization (MANI et al, 2013). Therefore, the maintenance of minerals from the ocean in desalinated water is necessary to mimic recommended salt concentrations for its use.

When it comes to agricultural use, the presence of minerals and nutrients in the soil is strictly necessary for good crop growth. Among the essential nutrients, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium stand out as “primary macronutrients” for plant growth (STUBBS, 2016). Image 1 demonstrates the essential nutrients for plant growth and shows that, compared to the removal by reverse osmosis, many would be scarce in the final product.