Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Electrodialysis (ED) is a membrane-based separation process that uses an electric potential gradient as the driving force to move dissolved ion species through ion-selective membranes, separating them from water.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Since the driving force in electrodialysis is an electric field, it acts exclusively on charged ions:
- It is highly effective at removing dissolved salt ions (\(\text{Na}^+\), \(\text{Cl}^-\), \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\)) from a solution.
- Consequently, it is extensively used in the desalting process (desalination of brackish water, demineralization of cheese whey).
- It cannot remove non-ionized solutes (sugars), bacteria, or suspended colloidal particles, which are instead separated using pressure-driven membrane processes like ultrafiltration or microfiltration.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Electrodialysis is extensively used in the desalting process, which corresponds to option (D).