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Textbook Ebook Emerging Technologies For Sustainable Desalination Handbook Veera Gnaneswar Gude Editor All Chapter PDF
Textbook Ebook Emerging Technologies For Sustainable Desalination Handbook Veera Gnaneswar Gude Editor All Chapter PDF
Adnan A. Alanezi The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training
(PAAET), Sabah Alsalem, Kuwait
Abdullah Alkhudhiri King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST),
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Rahman F. Rafique The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United
States
Desalination industry has advanced in recent years due to the increasing global
demands for freshwater associated with population growth. Membrane and thermal
desalination processes and technologies have been widely implemented in many parts
of the world. Despite more than 50 years of operational and process management
experiences, the energy costs still prohibit desalination applications in many areas
of critical need for freshwater. On the other hand, due to global water scarcity, non-
conventional water sources such as reclaimed water, produced waters, and other
industrial wastewaters are being considered for desalination technology applications.
Often these water sources contain pollutants that are problematic to the performance
of desalination processes. At the same time, the freshwater needs for irrigation con-
tinue to grow in arid regions for food production. This also requires careful consid-
eration of water production costs from desalination plants. In addition,
environmental pollution related to desalination technology implementation should
be minimized. In view of all these concurrent issues, there has been a growing interest
among the researchers and industrialists to develop energy-efficient and cost-effective
hybrid or novel desalination processes in recent decades. These processes can be
developed by combining the principles of physical separation and/or thermal evapo-
ration to serve as standalone or pretreatment processes for desalination and zero-liquid
discharge technologies.
Many novel processes were developed in recent years and notable advances have
been made in these technologies. These include adsorption desalination, forward
osmosis, humidification and dehumidification, membrane distillation, pervaporation,
and spray-type thermal processes. In addition, novel membrane materials such as
nanocomposite and carbon nanotube membranes were also explored. Each of these
processes or membrane materials carries its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Equally important are the desalination technology applications in agriculture, crop
irrigation, concentrate or brine valorization, and shale gas-produced water treatment.
This book covers the recent advances in each of these technological areas and provides
directions for their future development and implementation for various beneficial
uses. This book is intended to serve as a resource and guidance manual for understand-
ing the principles, mechanisms, design, and successful implementation of desalination
technologies for undergraduate and graduate researchers, science and engineering
professionals, and industrial practitioners. This book is a critical resource for
researchers from chemical engineering and science, environmental science and engi-
neering, mechanical and electrical engineering, and industrial and process engineer-
ing, and management disciplines with a desire to understand the science, engineering,
and process management related to sustainable desalination.
xx Preface
This book is presented in two parts and 15 chapters. The first part presents the prin-
ciples, design, process performance, and recent advances in emerging desalination
technologies while the second part discusses the implementation of emerging and con-
ventional desalination processes in various beneficial applications. Details of the
chapters are presented next. These chapters are contributed by leading authors and
researchers from the relevant fields. The complete list of chapters is shown below.
Chapter 1
Considering the issues at water-energy-environment nexus, innovative solutions are
required to lower specific energy consumption by utilizing low-grade heat of renew-
able and nonrenewable sources. This chapter presents the adsorption desalination
(AD) process as an innovative solution to overcome some of the performance limita-
tions faced by conventional thermal desalination processes such as MED (multieffect
distillation) and MSF (multistage flash evaporation). In addition, hybridization of
MED and AD processes called MEDAD to improve the process thermodynamic effi-
ciency and product output is discussed. The basics of adsorption phenomenon, AD
cycle, and its hybrid configurations and desalination processes and their economics
are presented in detail.
Chapter 2
This chapter elaborates the principles and applications of the forward osmosis (FO)
process. The use of the FO process as a pretreatment technique for seawater reverse
osmosis (RO) process is discussed. The effect of water recovery rate on the specific
Preface xxi
energy consumption is presented. Membrane fouling and scaling and other limiting
factors for FO performance are discussed. The critical element of FO, that is, draw
solution and its selection is also discussed. Membrane types and modeling studies
are presented along with an analysis of specific energy consumption in FO-RO hybrid
systems at different fouling factors and water recovery rates. The effect of FO pre-
treatment on RO desalinated water costs and practical implications for implementa-
tion are discussed in detail.
Chapter 3
This chapter provides an overview of the membrane distillation (MD) process which
combines both evaporation and physical separation principles of thermal and mem-
brane desalination processes.
A comprehensive review of MD process principles, history of development, design
and process configurations and modules, membrane materials and properties, and
membrane characterization are presented. The transport phenomena related to mass
and heat transfer for different MD types are also presented with different models used
in the literature. Correlations to estimate the heat and mass transfer coefficients are
presented. Concentration polarization and fouling issues are discussed. Operating
parameters, process performance in terms of thermal energy efficiency, specific
energy consumption, water production costs, and gained output ratios are discussed
in detail. MD applications as standalone or hybrid processes are also covered in detail
with process performance-related information.
Chapter 4
One of the main reasons that has limited industrialization of MD for water desalination
application is the lack of a proper membrane that could exhibit long-term acceptable
permeation flux and salt rejection. This chapter explains the required specifications of
a membrane for its application in the MD process. Material selection, fabrication, and
characterization methods (such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force
microscopy, contact angle, and other methods) are presented. Membrane fabrication
techniques, characteristic evaluation (liquid entry pressure, porosity, tortuosity, pore
size distribution, and conductivity), and modification methods (surface coating, sur-
face grafting, plasma polymerization, and surface-modified molecules) are discussed.
The range of experimental design parameters that affect the process performance are
provided in each section. The effect of each process parameter on MD performance is
described. Then, the modification methods for improving the performance of the cur-
rent available membranes will be presented. Next, the economics of MD will be dis-
cussed, and finally a conclusion containing the future trend and perspective of MD
will be given.
xxii Preface
Chapter 5
This chapter presents the permeate gap membrane distillation (PGMD) process as a
novel and sustainable MD design having internal heat recovery characteristics. Trans-
port phenomena including numerical modeling of the heat and mass transfer and
hydraulics are discussed. Experimental projects at laboratory- and pilot-scale studies
are discussed to elaborate the performance of the process in terms of energy efficiency
and water production. A detailed account of the literature survey based on recent case
studies involving MD integrated with different sources of solar energy and those
driven by waste heat is included. A general techno-economic feasibility framework
of PGMD systems is also presented.
Chapter 6
This chapter elaborates on desalination by pervaporation principle, its transport mech-
anism, process design and operation, and techno-economic analysis, with main focus
on membrane development including polymers, inorganic materials, and their
hybrids. Most common pervaporation membranes such as hybrid organic-inorganic
membranes, ZSM-5, cellulose membranes, silica, ionic polyethylene, and various
polyether membranes and GO/PAN membranes are discussed. The critical parameters
affecting the process performance such as feed temperature and permeate vapor pres-
sure are discussed. Pervaporation technology and the urgent problems to be resolved
are emphasized and future trends are discussed. The need for the development of novel
membranes and membrane materials is discussed. The possibility of integrating per-
vaporation with other existing processes such as RO and suggestions for improvement
of pervaporation membranes and module design are also proposed.
Chapter 7
This chapter discusses the humidification-dehumidification desalination (HDH)
working principle with different process configurations (closed air open water-water
heated cycles, multieffect closed air open water-water heated cycles, closed air open
water-air heated cycles, closed water open air-water heated cycles, closed water open
air-air heated cycles). Theoretical analysis (mass and energy balances), humidifier and
dehumidifier and their effectiveness relationships are presented in detail. Heat and
mass transfer relationships and efficiency factors are discussed. The effect of process
parameters on its performance such as heat capacity ratio and gained output ratio and
process control techniques are discussed. Various heat sources, materials, applica-
tions, and water desalination costs are provided.
Preface xxiii
Chapter 8
This chapter deals with spray-assisted low-temperature desalination technology. It
applies direct contact heat and mass transfer mechanism for both evaporation and con-
densation. The working principle of the spray evaporator is first described, and a heat
and mass transfer model based on detailed droplet analysis is developed to enable pre-
cise performance prediction. A simple spray desalination system is then presented,
and the major sources of energy consumption are judiciously quantified. Next, a mul-
tistage spray-assisted low-temperature desalination system is introduced. A detailed
thermodynamic model is also developed to highlight the transport phenomena within
the multistage system. Using this model, the production rate and thermal efficiency of
the multistage spray-assisted low-temperature desalination system is analyzed and
optimized under different operating parameters.
Chapter 9
Recent breakthroughs in nanostructured materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
and porous graphene membranes for water purification and desalination applications
are covered in this chapter. More specifically, the potential of the electrochemically
active carbon nanotube (CNTs) membranes is discussed in detail. The unique charac-
teristics of the CNT membrane to adsorb chemical and biological contaminants as
well as ion separation from seawater due to their high stability, great flexibility,
and large specific surface area has been disclosed. Electrochemically active CNT fil-
ters for electro-oxidation of the adsorbed contaminants are presented. The advantages
of CNT-based filters for salt separation and bacteria removal are discussed. This chap-
ter provides an explicit and systematic overview of the recent progress of electro-
chemically active CNT membranes addressing the current prevalent problems
associated with water treatment and desalination. The physiochemical aspects includ-
ing the working principles of this type of membrane have been discussed. The prev-
ailing challenges and future perceptions are also discussed.
Chapter 10
This chapter focuses on the historical and current development of the nanocomposite
membrane, which has received growing attention in the field of desalination methods.
The incorporation of nanomaterials into the polymer matrix to overcome current
drawbacks, including trade-off between flux and salt rejection, and low resistance
to fouling and scaling has been discussed. Various types of nanocomposite mem-
branes based on the membrane structure and location of the nanomaterial such as
conventional nanocomposites, thin-film nanocomposites, thin-film composites with
the nanocomposite substrate, and surface-located nanocomposites are presented.
xxiv Preface
This chapter also attempts to give the readers insights into the fabrication methods and
challenges associated with new functionalities introduced by nanomaterials and their
influence on membrane properties. It covers the feasibility and future prospective for
nanocomposite membranes with desirable performance.
Chapter 11
Brine or concentrate discharge and management have become a challenge for the
implementation of desalination plants. However, brines or concentrate streams can
provide numerous opportunities for energy and resource recovery along with benefi-
cial environmental applications.
In this chapter, brine characteristics including chemical and heavy metal compo-
sition in different sources are presented. Management strategies such as evaporation
ponds, land application, deep well injection, and discharge to sewer networks are dis-
cussed. Various valorization methods are presented. The use of desalination brine
within the desalination plants, valuable mineral recovery methods, evaporation crys-
tallization, solar ponds, and salt production options are discussed. Zero-liquid dis-
charge options are also covered. The possibility of energy recovery and energy
production using brine streams is presented. Environmental applications of brine
streams for aquaculture and fish farming, microalgae cultivation, and agriculture have
been presented.
Chapter 12
Natural gas exploration from unconventional shale formations, known as “shale gas,”
is produced recently by the development of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fractur-
ing (“fracking”) technologies. In this chapter, the capability of desalination technol-
ogies to allow water recycling and/or water reuse in shale gas industry for their
sustainable operations is discussed. Water consumption and wastewater generation
in shale gas operations and its management options are presented. The challenges
of shale gas wastewater desalination and management options are discussed.
Advances in zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) desalination processes for treating hyper-
saline shale gas wastewater to mitigate public health and environmental impacts,
and to improve the overall process sustainability are discussed. This chapter outlines
the most promising thermal- and membrane-based alternatives for ZLD desalination
of shale gas wastewater.
Chapter 13
In this chapter, the forward osmosis process is presented as an energy-efficient desa-
lination technique for providing water for irrigation.. The basic scheme of fertilizer-
drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) process as an innovative application of forward
osmosis (FO) desalination process is presented.
Preface xxv
The FO principles, draw solution characteristics, and selection criteria are dis-
cussed. Advantages (energy efficiency and fertilized irrigation) and disadvantages
(need for membranes, choice of fertilizer drawn solution, lower water flux and salt
rejection issues, fouling and biofouling) are discussed. Pretreatment and posttreatment
options for meeting the irrigation water quality standards are discussed. Several
options are proposed to improve the process performance to supply irrigation water,
minimize soil salinity, control fertilizer application, and to close the irrigation-
brackish water-drainage vicious cycle.
Chapter 14
Desalinated seawater (DSW) is considered a stable water source which effectively
removes the hydrological constraints for crop production under arid and semiarid con-
ditions. This chapter reviews current irrigation experiences with DSW worldwide,
analyzing the key issues for its successful implementation, including the main agro-
nomic concerns, such as low-nutrient concentration, crop toxicity risk due to high
boron and chloride concentration, or the sodicity risk affecting the physical properties
of soil; the energy requirements for DSW production and allocation, the associated
greenhouse gas emissions and the derived cost, as the current limiting factors for
its agricultural application; and future research for promoting its sustainability and
its development perspectives. In addition, two case studies involving planning and
development of DSW supply in semiarid southeastern Spain and blending strategies
for optimizing the DSW use together with other available water resources at farm
scale, respectively, are presented.
Chapter 15
Water scarcity, desertification, and endangered biodiversity in barren lands are strong
incentives to develop genuine solutions and resilient policies toward greening dry-
lands and turning them into more viable ecosystems for people, native animals,
and plant species. This chapter presents a few, possibly sustainable methods based
on seawater and solar energy to increase agriculture surfaces and to enhance food pro-
duction systems in dry lands that suffer from water scarcity and food insecurity issues.
Solar desert houses built on the land surface or floating farms built on the seawater
surface are proposed. The prospective outcomes from both approaches (on land
and on the sea surface) to help provide new sources for food production and to restore
endangered biodiversity in dry regions are discussed in detail with potential chal-
lenges and implementation issues.
Acknowledgments
Emerging technologies
Adsorption desalination—
Principles, process design, 1
and its hybrids for future
sustainable desalination
Muhammad W. Shahzad, Muhammad Burhan, Li Ang, Kim C. Ng
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Nomenclature
Symbols
P pressure (kPa)
P0 saturation pressure (kPa)
R universal gas constant (kJ/kmol K)
T temperature (K)
T surface heterogeneity for Tóth
Greek symbols
Γ Dubinin-Astakhow power factor
Ε adsorption site energy (kJ/kmol or kJ/kg)
εc equilibrium adsorption site energy (kJ/kg)
ε1 to ε3 reference energy (kJ/kmol)
θ adsorption uptake (kg/kg of adsorbent)
θ local adsorption uptake (kg/kg of adsorbent)
Μ chemical potential (kJ/kmol)
χ(ε) energy distribution function
Subscript
Α adsorbed phase
G gaseous phase
1.1 Introduction
Water and energy are two major needs for life continuation. Presently, about 36% of
global population (2.5 billion people) live in water-scarce regions, yet contributing to
22% of the world’s GDP (9.4 trillion USD) [1]. The global water demand (in terms of
water withdrawals) is projected to increase by 55% by 2050, mainly because of grow-
ing demands from manufacturing (400%), thermal electricity generation (140%), and
domestic use (130%). As a result, freshwater availability will be increasingly strained
over this time period, and more than 40% of the global population is projected to be
living in areas of severe water stress through 2050 [2].
Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Desalination Handbook. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815818-0.00001-1
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
4 Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Desalination Handbook
Fig. 1.1 Desalination capacities installed in the world and percent share on the basis
of feed water type [3].
2500%
Water withdrawals
Water consumption
(1900 baseline at 100%)
2000%
Population
Percentage growth
Primary energy
1500% CO2 emission
1000%
500%
0%
1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2040
Years
Fig. 1.2 Percentage growth rate of life necessity from 1900 to 2040. Water, population
and CO2 emission: 1900 baseline at 100%, primary energy: 1970 baseline at 100%.
Strait of
7.3 Hormuz
Water available rs 91.9
Pe
ia
in 1962 nG Qatar
Saudi u lf
Arabia 1036.0
556.6
87.4 33.0
Water available
in 2010
Oman
A country is considered to 2397.0 U.A.E
suffer from water scarcity
if it has less than 1000 m3 1376.0
cubic meters per capita.
250 miles
Source: U.N. Food and
Agriculture Organization 503.2 250 km
The Wall Street Journal 20.0
Fig. 1.3 Annual per capita renewable water resource in GCC countries between 1962 and 2010.
exponential growth rate of local population. It is estimated that the water demand in
most of the GCC countries will be tripled by 2020 from the 2000 level as shown in
Table 1.1 [22].
The currently available water sources are unable to fill the gap between the water
supply-demand of most economies in the GCC. To maintain the same economic
growth rates in the region, the only source for freshwater supply in the future is by
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279. Many months after the death of Dr. Rittenhouse, the same
licentious writer who publicly charged him with being an Atheist,
declared, in the same public manner, what was equally untrue. He
asserted, not only that Mr. Rittenhouse “volunteered as president of
the Democratic Society, in Philadelphia,” but that “he himself signed
the inflammatory resolves against the excise-law, which encouraged
the malecontents to rise in open rebellion.” The fact is, that the
“inflammatory resolves” referred to, were entered into by that body,
on the 8th of May, 1794; and were not signed by Mr. Rittenhouse,
but by another person, as “President pro tem.”
280. The Abbé le Blanc (or the writer who assumed that
appellation) names, of this metaphysical tribe, Hobbes, Lord
Shaftesbury, Tindal and Collins, all Englishmen; though his own
country has long been the superlatively prolific soil of infidelity in
religion, and chimerical theories in every department of science:
such philosophers abound in France. He observes very justly,
however, that “there is nothing so improperly made use of, as the
name philosopher.” See Le Blanc’s Letters on the English and
French Nations.
283. “If the example of all the republics that have preceded us did
not authorize the hope, that history will not find us guilty of
ingratitude, but only of delay, the national neglect of the memory of
Washington would be sufficient to repress every sentiment of
patriotism and public spirit. Of this neglect, aggravated by the
solemn steps taken by congress to obtain a right to remove the body
of the Founder of our Liberties to a place of public and honourable
sepulture, and the abandonment of that right when obtained, it is
painful to speak—nor is it necessary. There is not wanting a general
sentiment of the disgrace which the nation suffers, while the body of
Washington rests upon a trussle, crouded into a damp and narrow
vault, in which the rapid decay of the wooden support must in a few
years mingle his ashes with those of his worthy but unknown
relations. Exertions not altogether worthy of the object, but such as
the present fashion of finance authorizes, are made, to give to his
memory that honour in other cities, which is denied him in the
metropolis of the Union.” [See the Ann. Oration delivered before the
Society of Artists, in Philadelphia, in May, 1811, by B. H. Latrobe,
Esq.]
285. The Right Hon. David Stewart Erskine, is the present Earl.
291. Mr. Bond must have been mistaken, in the date he has
assigned to the election of Dr. Rittenhouse; or, perhaps, the date of
the diploma has reference to the time of nomination: the variance in
these dates is, however, unimportant.
294. Mr. Lalande was first appointed to that station, in the year
1761. “The College of France,” heretofore styled “The Royal College
of France,” was originally founded in the year 1530, by Francis I. but
letters patent were issued in favour of it in 1772, by the unfortunate
Louis XVI. The present edifice, finished in 1775, gave new activity to
the ancient establishment; and Lalande viewed it, when he wrote his
Astronomie, as having been one of the best schools in the world for
the sciences, but principally for astronomy.
295. The original letter was politely presented to the author, by his
venerable friend, the profound Lawyer and distinguished Patriot to
whom it was addressed. On that occasion, Governor M‘Kean
expressed himself in terms of the highest respect and kindest regard
for the memory of Dr. Rittenhouse, as one of his friends, whom,
while living, he greatly valued for his talents and esteemed for his
virtues.
298. In a letter written to the Rev. Mr. Barton, in Sept. 1755, when
the writer was little more than twenty-three years of age.
299. The extract from a letter to one of his friends, which Dr. Rush
has quoted in his Eulogium on Rittenhouse, furnishes additional
testimony, if, indeed, any were wanting, of the exalted sense of
Divine Goodness, that was entertained by our pious philosopher:
“Give me leave,” says he, “to mention two or three proofs of infinite
Goodness, in the works of Creation. The first is, possessing
goodness in ourselves. Now it is inconsistent with all just reasoning
to suppose, that there is any thing good, lovely or praiseworthy, in
us, which is not possessed in an infinitely higher degree by that
Being who first called us into existence. In the next place, I reckon
the exquisite and innocent delight, that many things around us are
calculated to afford us. In this light, the beauty and fragrance of a
single rose is a better argument for Divine Goodness, than a
luxuriant field of wheat. For, if we can suppose that we were created
by a malevolent Being, with a design to torment us for his
amusement, he must have furnished us with the means of
subsistence, and either have made our condition tolerable, or not
have left the means of quitting it at pleasure, in our own power. Such
being my opinions, you will not wonder at my fondness for what Mr.
Addison calls The Pleasures of Imagination: they are all, to me, so
many demonstrations of Infinite Goodness.”
301. Ibid.
THE CONCLUSION:
COMPREHENDING
A RETROSPECT OF THE LIFE
OF
DAVID RITTENHOUSE,
WITH
“It has been the fashion of late years,” says his eloquent Eulogist,
[302]
“to say of persons who had been distinguished in life,—when
they left the world in a state of indifference to every thing, and
believing and hoping in nothing,—that they died like Philosophers.”
Rittenhouse did not, indeed, die like a disciple of that new
philosophy, referred to by the Eulogist,—like some of those modern
pretenders to illumination, who have been struggling to resuscitate
all the maddening dreams and absurdities of the Pyrrhonists of old:
His last hours were similar to those, which graced the departure from
the world, of a Newton and a Boyle, with very many illustrious
Christians besides, who truly deserved the name of Philosophers;—
for, “he died like a Christian, interested in the welfare of all around
him—believing in the resurrection, and the life to come, and hoping
for happiness from every attribute of the Deity.”[303]
By his last will and testament, which was not executed till the day
preceding his death, Dr. Rittenhouse disposed of his estate in a very
equitable manner, between Mrs. Rittenhouse and his two daughters,
besides making a liberal provision for an amiable widowed sister, so
long as she should live.
His face was of an oval form; his complexion, fair; and his hair,
which in his latter years became thinned and whitened, was brown.
All his features were good: his forehead was high, capacious and
smooth; his eyes, which were of a greyish colour, were alike
expressive of animation, reflection and good nature, and well placed
under full, arched brows; his nose was large, handsome, and
inclined to the aquiline; his mouth, well-formed, though a little
prominent, and corresponding with the general character of the face;
and his chin, broad and strong. In short, his whole countenance was
indicative of intelligence, complacency and goodness, even after its
characteristic marks had been in some degree impaired by sickness
and years. Dr. Rush observes, that his countenance was too
remarkable to be unnoticed. “It displayed,” says the Doctor, “such a
mixture of contemplation, benignity, and innocence, that it was easy
to distinguish his person in the largest company, by a previous
knowledge of his character.”[307] Such were, upon the whole, the
figure and appearance of David Rittenhouse; but more particularly, in
his earlier life: and, as thus described, he was generally considered
an handsome man.
With such feelings and such views of the subject as these, our
Philosopher could not consider that as a justifiable cause of war,
which has not for its object, either the defence of a country against
an hostile invader, or the security of the state and the support of the
liberties of the people, against treasonable domestic insurrections.
[314]
His habits and manners were such as comported with the honest
sincerity of his heart, the amiable simplicity of his whole character,
[315]
and the nature of his pursuits in life. He loved quiet and order,
and preferred retirement to the bustle of the world: and these
dispositions endeared to him the comforts of domestic society. He
considered ambition, pomp and ostentation, as being generally
inconsistent with true happiness. His sentiments respecting luxury
are expressed in very energetic language, in his Oration: he viewed
it as the constant forerunner of tyranny; and both, as being,
eventually, the means of destroying useful science, though
professing to be its friends. Yet he was far from being inimical to that
mutual “exchange of benefits,”[316] which is effected by means of
foreign commerce; or to those intercourses of society, which
augment our rational enjoyments: he was, in truth, a friend to
beneficial trade, and approved of those “social refinements, which
really add to our happiness, and induce us with gratitude to
acknowledge our great Creator’s goodness.”[317] But he justly
distinguished between that sort of commerce with foreign nations,
that conduces to the well-being of mankind, and such as is obviously
immoral in itself, or deleterious in its consequences. Of both these
latter descriptions, he considered the slave-trade; a traffic, against
which he bore his testimony more than thirty-seven years ago: and,
as Dr. Rush has emphatically observed in respect to what he had
advanced in favour of Christianity, “the single testimony of David
Rittenhouse,” on the the one side, “outweighs the declamations of
whole nations,” on the other. Commerce of an injurious nature, he
viewed to be such as ministers more to the debauching luxuries of
mankind, than to their necessities, conveniencies and substantial
comforts.
Though rather plain and simple than otherwise, in all his domestic
arrangements, he lived well,—in the common acceptation of the
phrase. Nor was he in any respect deficient in that decorum in his
personal appearance, and in the modest appendages of his
household, which corresponded with his character and station in
society. There was not the least affectation of any thing like parade
or splendour, in his manner of living. In his dress he was remarkably
neat, correct and gentlemanlike: his house, with its furniture were of
a corresponding style of propriety; the mansion itself, with every
thing appurtenant to it, seemed to denote its being the residence of
good sense, elegant simplicity, and genuine comfort.
But the same causes that prevented his seeing his friends, beyond
the circle of his family-connections, at his own table, as often as the
sociability of his temper must have prompted him to do, imposed on
him the necessity of very frequently declining the acceptance of
invitations from others; more especially, for large dining parties, and
companies of formal visitors: his habits of great temperance, a
dislike of much ceremoniousness, and an economical disposition of
his time, were further inducements to his declining, very generally,
such invitations.