Compare distillation and membrane processes such as reverse osmosis for desalination.

Distillation and membrane processes, such as reverse osmosis, are two methods used for desalination, which is the process of removing salt from seawater to produce potable water. Distillation involves heating seawater to create steam, which is then condensed back into liquid, leaving salts behind. In contrast, reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate salt and impurities from water by applying pressure. While distillation is energy-intensive due to the heating required, reverse osmosis is often more efficient and can operate at lower temperatures, making it a preferred method in many applications.