Groundwater salinity process, mitigation measures and economic assessment: an example from an intensive agricultural area

Abstract

To satisfy water demand in the arid climate area (SE Spain), small private desalination plants (more than 1000) of brackish groundwater are in operation. This process has led to an increase of groundwater salinity as a consequence of aquifers connection, uncontrolled subsurface injection of brines and pitfalls of the brines conveyor network. Measures being taken, including the economic efficiency of the small private desalination plants with regard to groundwater, and obtained results are presented.To satisfy water demand in the arid climate area (SE Spain), small private desalination plants (more than 1000) of brackish groundwater are in operation. This process has led to an increase of groundwater salinity as a consequence of aquifers connection, uncontrolled subsurface injection of brines and pitfalls of the brines conveyor network. Measures being taken, including the economic efficiency of the small private desalination plants with regard to groundwater, and obtained results are presented