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A Review of the Environmental Impacts of Desalination Brine Discharge on Marine Ecosystems and Its Implications for Human Health
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Pegah Gheshlaghi *   , Moslem Daliri , Ehsan Kamrani |
| Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran , pgheshlaghi8@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (62 Views) |
Background and Aim: Seawater desalination is a key strategy for addressing water scarcity challenges. However, the production of hypersaline brine, rich in chemicals and heavy metals, exerts significant effects on marine ecosystems and human health. This review aims to examine the environmental consequences of brine discharge on the structure and function of marine biological communities and to analyze its indirect implications for human health and food security.
Methods: This study was conducted as a descriptive-analytical review based on a systematic search of relevant scientific literature.
Results: The findings indicate that elevated salinity, high temperature, and the presence of heavy metals in brine lead to reduced larval survival, disruption of physiological processes in aquatic organisms, decreased species diversity, and the formation of hypoxic zones. These impacts significantly alter the structure of phytoplankton, zooplankton, crustacean, and fish communities. Furthermore, the transfer of pollutants through bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food web, the occurrence of harmful algal blooms, health risks associated with direct exposure to contaminated water, and threats to the food security of coastal communities represent important indirect consequences of brine discharge.
Conclusion: To mitigate the adverse effects of desalination brine discharge, an integrated, multidimensional approach is essential. This includes optimizing discharge point design, implementing targeted dilution, recovering valuable salts and chemicals, utilizing renewable energy sources, applying environmentally compliant subsurface disposal or injection, and establishing long-term monitoring and regulatory frameworks. Sustainable brine management and effective environmental policymaking can play a pivotal role in safeguarding marine ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring human health and food security.
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| Keywords: Desalination, Brine discharge, Marine ecosystem, Human health, Food security, Environmental sustainability. |
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Full-Text [PDF 597 kb]
(59 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2025/11/12 | Accepted: 2025/12/6 | Published: 2025/12/1
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