An integrated technique using solar and evaporation ponds for effective brine disposal management

Desalination is a process that involves the removal of salts and non-ionic minerals from seawater to produce freshwater that is fit for human consumption. This process produces brine, which is typically redisposed into the sea. The relatively high salt concentration in the disposed brine increases the salinity of water and soil, which adversely affects the environment. However, brine is found to be rich in economically valuable minerals. In order to effectively manage the disposed brine, this study proposes an integrated technique using solar and evaporation ponds to filter valuable minerals from concentrated brine. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed technique can be effectively employed for this purpose. Furthermore, this helps reduce desalination costs and complies with the notion of renewable energy production and eco-friendliness

Characteristics and economic value of the rejected brine at Al-Khobar desalination plant in KSA

This paper presents the characteristics of seawater and rejected brine, and the economic value of the rejected brine at Al-Khobar desalination plant, KSA. The rejected brine may be discharged to sea/ocean contains of different salts and dissolved minerals in high concentrations, which carry considerable economic value in relevant industries. It is found that the rejected brine contains huge amount of SO42-, Cl-, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Fe2- and Cu2+, which have high economic value. Therefore, these minerals can be recovered directly from the rejected brine. This study estimated the quantities of these minerals and the revenue income according to their current market prices. Moreover, this study may help the policy/decision makers to assess the economic value of the brine to establish new industries for brine processing. Seawater and brine samples collected from the Al-Khobar plant. Various physical and chemical properties were observed in order to find economic value of minerals

The development and applications of solar pond: a review

Solar energy is a substantial source of clean and renewable energy. Recently, solar pond technology has made a great progress due to the fact that solar ponds can collect and store heat in the same time which has reduced the cost significantly thus making it an area of interest for the industry and researchers. Several salt gradient solar ponds have been constructed in many regions around the world. This paper reviews the various schemes of solar ponds, in addition to their performance, optimization, heat extraction mode and applications as reported in the literature. The maintenance and cost effect on solar pond have also been discussed

The development and applications of solar pond: a review

Solar energy is a substantial source of clean and renewable energy. Recently, solar pond technology has made a great progress due to the fact that solar ponds can collect and store heat in the same time which has reduced the cost significantly thus making it an area of interest for the industry and researchers. Several salt gradient solar ponds have been constructed in many regions around the world. This paper reviews the various schemes of solar ponds, in addition to their performance, optimization, heat extraction mode and applications as reported in the literature. The maintenance and cost effect on solar pond have also been discussed