I have provided consultancy ...

I have provided consultancy to several water utilities reliant on desalination during the last 15 years. You will be aware that cost is a major issue, mainly energy costs but also membrane replacements for RO plants. MSF plants don't require RO quality membranes but have even higher energy costs. Use of fuel oil for MSF heating also causes air pollution. Another environmental concern is brine return causing increased salinity in the discharge area. An operational concern is intake blockage and output reduction from membrane fouling. For example one intake I know of had been badly affected by growth of zebra mussels. You have a great subject for your thesis - solving any of these problems will be a huge benefit to water engineers.