ABSTRACT
The importance of water on Earth cannot be overstated. Water, along with energy and organic molecules, was the prerequisite for the origin of life here billions of years ago. Today, water plays a central role in maintaining our survival as a species, preservation of the natural environment, and therefore achieving a sustainable planet (United Nations 2003). Yet, there are immense challenges facing humans with respect to securing water for their basic needs and long-term quality of life. Although almost three-fourths of Earth’s surface is covered by water, most of this water is not potable, and a high percentage of the fresh stuff is either frozen, underground, or in a gaseous phase.
