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Do You Know the Environmental Impact of Brine Discharge from Seawater Desalination Systems?
15 Sep, 2025 12:01pm
In the context of increasing global water scarcity, seawater desalination systems are becoming the ideal choice for many coastal countries and industrial enterprises. They can convert abundant seawater into usable freshwater, alleviating pressures on urban water supply, industrial usage, and agricultural irrigation. However, behind this “water-making miracle” lies a critical issue—brine discharge. This is one of the most frequently discussed environmental topics when promoting large-scale seawater desalination. So, what exactly is brine discharge, and what are its potential impacts on marine ecosystems? How does WTEYA, as a professional seawater desalination equipment manufacturer, address this challenge? This article provides a comprehensive analysis.
What is “brine” in the seawater desalination process?
In a typical reverse osmosis (RO) seawater desalination plant, raw seawater is separated into two streams through membrane filtration: one stream becomes potable or usable freshwater (product water), and the other is high-salinity wastewater—commonly referred to as brine. Seawater usually has a salinity of around 3.5%, whereas brine can reach 6% or higher. It may also contain residual chemicals used during the treatment process, such as coagulants, biocides, and anti-scaling agents.
Potential environmental impacts of brine discharge
1. Increased seawater salinity and harm to coastal ecosystems
Brine discharge can cause short-term salinity spikes in the surrounding seawater, creating “salinity hotspots.” This can stress nearby marine organisms, such as corals, algae, and shellfish, potentially causing local mortality or migration.
2. Reduced dissolved oxygen affecting marine respiration
High-salinity water is denser and holds less oxygen, which may create hypoxic zones near the discharge point, affecting fish and other aerobic aquatic organisms.
3. Chemical residues disrupting microbial communities
Chemicals used in desalination, such as chlorine, acids, bases, and biocides, if not fully neutralized, can enter the ocean with the brine, disrupting microbial community balance and potentially impacting the entire food chain.
4. Thermal pollution risks (for certain thermal desalination systems)
Although reverse osmosis is now the mainstream technology, some thermal desalination systems still discharge high-temperature brine, which can threaten temperature-sensitive nearshore organisms.
How WTEYA responds to the challenge
As a seawater desalination equipment manufacturer committed to sustainable development, WTEYA designs its systems from the ground up to minimize environmental impacts of brine discharge:
High recovery design to reduce brine volume
WTEYA’s RO systems optimize membrane modules and pretreatment processes to maximize freshwater output while reducing the volume of brine discharged.
Brine dilution and multi-point diffusion discharge systems
WTEYA designs dilution and distribution structures to mix brine thoroughly with seawater before discharge, ensuring rapid salinity dilution and preventing localized high-salinity accumulation.
Use of environmentally friendly chemicals and neutralization units
The biocides, coagulants, and other agents used in WTEYA systems are eco-friendly. Brine passes through neutralization units before discharge, ensuring no harmful chemical residues enter the environment.
Brine resource utilization solutions (customized services)
For large-scale projects, WTEYA provides brine reuse solutions, including:
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Salt or mineral extraction
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High-salinity industrial applications
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Integration with evaporation ponds or deep well injection technology
These solutions not only reduce discharge but can also create additional value for enterprises.
How to choose an environmentally friendly seawater desalination system
When selecting a seawater desalination system, enterprises should not only consider freshwater output and energy consumption but also the system’s long-term environmental impact and discharge control capabilities. Key indicators to consider include:
| Key Aspect | Recommended Standard / WTEYA Solution |
|---|---|
| System recovery rate | ≥45% (RO seawater systems) |
| Brine salinity control | ≤4% after dilution |
| Chemical use eco-friendliness | Yes, supports green formulations and neutralization units |
| Discharge method | Diffused/multi-point/discharge reuse |
| Customization capability | WTEYA supports OEM/ODM customization |
Conclusion: Sustainable water resources start with rational choices
Brine discharge is an issue that cannot be ignored, but it should not hinder the development of seawater desalination technology. The key lies in whether enterprises and equipment suppliers can manage and optimize it scientifically, systematically, and sustainably. As an environmentally responsible water treatment brand with years of industry experience, WTEYA not only provides clients with high-efficiency, stable desalination equipment but also strives to create environmentally friendly systems covering the full water lifecycle—from intake to discharge. We welcome agents, engineering contractors, and end customers worldwide to join us in promoting the development and implementation of green water resource technologies.
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