Desalination is a suite of physical and chemical processes used to remove dissolved salts, minerals, and contaminants from saltwater (such as seawater or brackish groundwater) to produce water suitable for potable use or agricultural irrigation. The core technological principles involve separating the dissolved solids from the water molecule. The most widely implemented method is Reverse Osmosis, which uses semipermeable membranes and applied pressure to force water through the barrier while rejecting the salt ions. Other methods include thermal distillation, which involves boiling the saltwater and condensing the pure steam, or electrodialysis, which uses electrical currents to move ions across ion-selective membranes. The overall efficiency and environmental impact of desalination facilities are critical engineering considerations, particularly regarding the management of the highly saline byproduct known as brine.