Sea Water Characterization at Ujung Kulon Coastal Depth as Raw Water Source for Desalination and Potential Energy

Fresh water is basic need for life while the source is limited. Therefore, sea water is used as fresh water through desalination process. Sea water has different physical and chemical properties ranging from the surface to the seabed. The energy potential that can be obtained from the hydrostatic pressure also changes according to the depth. As part of the research of the utilization of sea water into fresh water, the aim of this study is to know the characteristics of sea water in the depth that can be utilized as source of fresh water. The sea water samples were taken at 11km from Ujung Kulon beach with depth of 0m, 20m, 40m, 60m, 80m, and 100m under the surface. The results showed that the physical properties at every depth were below the maximum allowable drinking water except for the amount of dissolved solids. Chemical characteristics at any depth above allowable level were fluoride, hardness (CaCo3), chloride, sodium, sulphate, and (KMnO4). In addition to the properties, pressure is one of the considerations in this study to determine the depth of sea water as sources for desalination. Pressure increased by 36.11% as the depth of the sea increased

Radioactive waste and ocean dumping : The role of the IAEA

Like other wastes produced by human and industrial activities, radioactive wastes have been disposed of into the ocean as an alternative to land disposal. Following the recommendation of the first United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, the International Atomic Energy Agency has since 1956 assisted States to control the discharge or release of radioactive materials into the sea and to establish internationally acceptable regulations to prevent pollution of the sea by radioactive materials in amounts which would adversely affect man and the marine environment. With regard to dumping, the IAEA has selected an approach which complies with the radiological protection principles embodied in the ICRP system of dose limitation. The present trend, through the Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter and other regional conventions, is towards the prohibition of the dumping of any radioactive waste into the marine environment. Such a move, without proper consideration of the risk levels of the practice and before any holistic comparison of the impact of other potential waste disposal options, could conceivably result in a transfer of effect of management action from one sector to other sectors of the environment without ensuring a overall benefit to the environment and man.