International Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology Research

122-133

Authors: Ismail, M.T. 1*, El Nadi, M.H.A. 2, Nasr, N.A.H. 3, Wahb, E.S.A.3

Water desalination processes have contributed to a better standard of living in a number of countries during the second half of the 20th century, following an increase in water demand for drinking purposes as well as industrial and agricultural uses. Desalination process produces two streams of water, one is the product fresh water, and the other is concentrate water containing salts and any un-reacted pre-treatment chemicals (Brine). Brine is considered to be one of the main environmental aspects that affect the surrounding environment during disposal. There are a variety of methods that are used for brine disposal / management. The most common methods include (i) Surface water Discharge, (ii) Ground water Discharge, (iii) Evaporation ponds. The availability of the disposal alternative is mostly site-specific. Therefore, the most suitable disposal methods from an environmental and economic perspective have to be evaluated on a site-specific basis. The aim of this study is to develop a mathematical model, named “Brine disposal decision support system” (BDDSS). The model’s main objective is to assist decision makers (Consultants or Government authorities) in the selection of an optimum brine disposal solution applying applicable, environmentally friendly and cost effective methods, through a user friendly interface. The BDDSS model can be applied to any desalination plant to obtain the optimum brine disposal solution, by providing three scenarios for brine disposal, after performing a compilation of all inputs provided by the user, then start comparison among the three alternatives and select the optimum solution / alternative through an evaluation matrix based on the cost / environmental of each disposal alternative. The optimum solution provided is the one achieving lowest cost and lowest negative environmental impact. In order to observe the benefits of applying the BDDSS model on desalination plants, a live run has been conducted on an existing desalination plant in Kuwait bay. The reason for selecting this case is that there is severe impact on the surrounding environment as a result of extensive brine disposal from Doha desalination plants to Kuwait bay. This case study will show results obtained before and after applying the model.