Harnessing halophytes to mitigate the environmental impact of membrane desalination brine

This study presents an integrated and sustainable approach to valorise brine from brackish water desalination plants through the cultivation of halophytes in hydroponic systems. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of halophytes in reducing brine salinity. The methodology includes halophyte acclimatisation, brine collection and analysis, experimental prototypes setup, and monitoring of plant physiological parameters as well as the physico-chemical properties of water. Halophytes were cultivated in three hydroponic systems using water media with varying salinity levels: brackish borehole water (3 g/L), and Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination brines with salinities of 6 g/L and 9 g/L. The results showed a correlation between irrigation water salinity and halophyte growth, with the densest root development observed at higher salinity levels (9 g/L). The chemical analyses of halophytes revealed sodium and potassium accumulation in plant tissues, underscoring their capacity to reduce brine salinity. These findings highlight the potential of halophytes as a promising and sustainable solution for valorising brine from RO brackish water desalination.