A review of circular brine management for supporting sustainable desalination in agricultural irrigation

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Agricultural irrigation accounts for the largest share of freshwater demand in all countries where agriculture is practiced. The demand for freshwater in industrial processes follows this trend. Developing alternative water sources, or non-conventional sources, is vital to satisfy the rising demand for freshwater to reduce pressure on natural water resources. Desalination is commonly used to meet the demand for drinking water and high-quality industrial process water. Brine is a by-product of desalination processes that is typically discharged back into the receiving body, where it has a devastating effect on the ecosystem. Instead of disposing brine concentrate as a waste stream, it can be applied for beneficial uses such as irrigation of salt-tolerant plants, algae production, aquaculture, fish farming, and other agro-industrial sectors. The main purpose of this review is to evaluate the applicability and feasibility of circular brine management produced from desalination applications, highlighting innovative approaches to sustainable water management strategies, especially in agriculture irrigation. Furthermore, other industrial sectors that consume significant amounts of freshwater is investigated for their possible applications of waste brine. The findings suggest that repurposing brine can alleviate the pressures on freshwater resources and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. This review specifically provides a future projection regarding the brine issue, representing a substantial barrier in environmental management in desalination practices. The integration of these strategies can enhance resource efficiency, support irrigated agricultural practices, and promote industrial applications that prioritize water conservation.