Exploring the agricultural reutilisation of desalination reject brine from reverse osmosis technology

Among its other effects, climate change is driving humanity into water scarcity, especially in highly populated areas such as the Mediterranean. One of the best options to solve this problem is seawater desalination, but it has its environmental, social and economic impacts. The brine reject effluent from the process can be used as a rich mineral source for hydroponic culture. Indeed, stability in its composition was shown here during a one-year study. A compilation of analyses from desalination facilities located worldwide also demonstrates how reutilisation of this liquid waste can provide an opportunity to build a circular economy based on brine management. Potential profitable crops and an economic study of its implementation are discussed. Correct brine management channelled into an agricultural context can be an excellent way to improve the public and ecological reputation of desalination. It can also yield extra income beyond the fresh water yield from the proposed system.