Existing methods for reducing the deuterium content of potable water are expensive and inefficient.

A new approach for reducing the 150 parts per million (ppm) concentration of D₂O to around 125 ppm using a hot and cold isotopic-exchange process based on a platinum catalyst could be useful in the industrial scale production of deuterium-depleted water. There is growing evidence that photosynthesis is more efficient with depleted water, so it could be used to boost crop yields. There is also evidence that lower deuterium content of drinking water could improve outcomes for cancer patients.

• Method for the Production of Deuterium-Depleted Potable Water
  F. Huang, C. Meng,
  Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2011, 50(1), 378–381.
  DOI: 10.1021/ie101820f