Semi-closed-loop salinity gradient energy harvesting system for sustainable power generation and water treatment

A method for treating and recycling wastewater, comprising:

• producing a first water stream;
• producing a second water stream, wherein the second water stream has a higher salinity than the first water stream;
• pumping, using a first pump, the first water stream to a salinity energy harvesting system;
• pumping, using as second pump, the second water stream to the salinity energy harvesting system;
• operating the salinity energy harvesting system to produce a mixed water exit stream and a produced energy;
• pumping, using a third pump, the mixed water exit stream to a separator system, wherein the separator system is configured to receive the mixed water exit stream and separate dissolved salts from the mixed water exit stream to produce a high salinity water exit stream and a pure water stream and wherein the separator system operates using the produced energy from the salinity energy harvesting system;
• and
• recycling, using a fourth pump, the high salinity water exit stream by combining the high salinity water exit stream with the second water stream.