Nuclear technology and food preservation and water‏

Nuclear technology may have a growing impact on the food we eat and the water we drink. Let us explain why and how.

The use of nuclear reactors for desalinisation of water.

With growing shortage of water in many parts of the world due to climate change and population growth , the desalinisation of sea water is considered as a useful technology to obtain drinking water. The problem of this technology, is that it needs a lot of energy.... With decreasing oil resources, the use of nuclear technology for water desalinisation could be a interesting alternative. Recent research conducted by the French centre for Atomic Energy already indicates that production of water with nuclear plants would be 30 to 60% cheaper than using oil for this purpose.

The use of Nuclear radiations for preserving food.

Nuclear radiations can be used and are used for preserving food. The radiations destroy micro-organisms, and germs and as a result the food will be ''more healthy'' ( this may be a little exaggerated to use this word but it is the intent of the technique !) and preserve for longer. The radiation is of low intensity. Because of the low intensity the food treated is not considered as radioactive. In France, for example the following food products can be irradiated and authorized for selling: aromatic herbs, spices, dry fruits, cereals, frog legs, and shrimps.
While there is strong resistance in the public on the use of nuclear radiation technique for food sanitation and preservation, the technique is apparently used more and more often.......