Q1: Desalination of water

ANS:A - makes it potable.

The term "potable" refers to water that is safe for human consumption, meaning it meets certain standards for drinking water quality and does not pose a risk to health when consumed. Potable water must be free from harmful contaminants and pathogens that could cause illness or harm to those who drink it. When water undergoes desalination, whether through processes like reverse osmosis, distillation, or electrodialysis, the primary goal is to remove dissolved salts, minerals, and other impurities present in seawater or brackish water. These impurities can include chloride, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, and other substances that make the water unfit for drinking. Desalination processes effectively remove these impurities, producing freshwater that meets potable water standards. The resulting water is free from harmful salts and contaminants, making it safe for human consumption. Desalinated water can be used for various purposes beyond drinking, including cooking, bathing, and irrigation, where high-quality water is required. In summary, the term "makes it potable" in the context of desalination means that the process transforms saline or brackish water into freshwater that is safe and suitable for drinking, meeting the necessary standards for human consumption.