Brine Management in Reverse Osmosis Desalination: A UAE Perspective

Many countries in the world, particularly the Middle East countries, are suffering from water scarcity. The use of reverse osmosis desalination for the production of potable water has drastically increased over the past few decades. UAE is one of the world leaders in desalination. Almost 61% of the desalinated water capacity in UAE is from reverse osmosis. Like most chemical processes, waste is an imminent by-product of desalination causing severe environmental and social problems. Majority of the Reverse osmosis plants in UAE dispose brine directly into the sea, which is not at all sustainable. An environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative is required to manage the reject produced in the UAE. This paper focuses in analysing the sustainable options to manage the reject efficiently in UAE. Evaluations of different disposal methods were carried out, comparing all characteristics of each method of disposal and it was found out that, evaporation pond can be a possible alternative for brine disposal in UAE climatic conditions. The paper focuses on the efficiency and limitations of evaporation ponds in UAE.