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I thought the issue with evaporative brine projects was mainly the water use in generally water scarce areas. There are direct extraction technologies that are

by s0rce 2y ago

I thought the issue with evaporative brine projects was mainly the water use in generally water scarce areas. There are direct extraction technologies that are better. Sodium you can just let the ocean evaporate in ponds, although this destroys wetlands (see for example a bunch of these around the SF Bay, some being restored to their native state).

alex_young 2y ago
With lithium they are pumping deep water up to the surface, not adding any. The water holds the lithium and is part of a massive ancient aquifer.
cogman10 2y ago
Lithium is also extracted via ocean water evaporated in ponds. You do need a bed with a high concentrated amount of lithium near the ocean, those are not uncommon.
- Taniwha 2y ago
  Of course doing that you get far far more sodium .....
bredren 2y ago
Right, I recall a question of native populations with limited access to water and then water shows up suddenly but for extracting the lithium.
jimkleiber 2y ago
Hmm, i assume desalination could get the sodium out and also give us fresh water, maybe another incentive for desalination.