Initial Reaction: After thinking it over, this could pretty much render conventional desalination plants obsolete if it can be used on a large scale. If it can only be done on a small (non-industrial) scale, it's still very useful for individuals and small communities who have ample access to salt water but have to be frugal with their freshwater supplies.
...Anyone, by any chance, able to access the full text? 'cuz it sounds like nothing much more than plain old reverse osmosis to me. Which is already used for desalination (de-everything, really), for example, Singapore's Newater. As in, yeah, new filter. Groovy. But nothing groundbreaking.
First thought upon seeing the Graphene in thread tittle. (schoolgirl squeal on)"OMG!!! What else does it do!?!!"(schoolgirl squeal off)
"Nobody knows how deep this mystery goes, But ancient caveman history shows: Were all descended from the same evil alien slime. And its a pretty shade of gray. It makes the woodwork eat away. Glass breaks and cows milk curdles. It glows in the dark and it mutates turtles." Graphene can do anything. Makes salt water drinkable, focuses lasers, cures cancer, unlocks multiple male orgasms and smells of fresh spring rain.
So much ocean all around South Africa. So much arid land within. So much growing population all needing water...
[Citation needed] In all seriousness, what's that about graphene focusing lasers? Optical gain medium yes, I've heard of, as a focus? Or is that hyperbole.
