Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Strategic Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

A Review of Utilization of Brine from Desalination Plants in the Cultivation of Salt-Tolerant Plant, Animal and Algal Species

Document Type : Review article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Student of Tehran University
2 Professor of Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, College University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran Invited Member, Iran Academy of Sciences
10.22047/srjasnr.2025.469021.1108
Abstract
In recent years, the increasing scarcity of freshwater resources has resulted in a greater dependence on seawater, which incurs significant costs. Currently, only one-third of the water extracted from the sea is converted into freshwater, while the remainder is discharged back into the environment as brine. The reuse of brine with innovative and sustainable approaches can serve as a source for the cultivation of salt-tolerant fish, salt extraction, and forage farming in these regions. This study examined 110 publications that investigated various aspects of brine recycling from desalination plants in Iran, explored the challenges, opportunities, and economic benefits of this system and presented a conceptual model derived from the studies. This research investigates the critical issue of feedstock scarcity arising from the inefficiencies inherent in conventional agricultural systems. Additionally, it provides an analysis of the economic advantages associated with the extraction of mineral salts and valuable metals. The study aims to contribute to the discourse on sustainable agricultural practices and resource optimization in the context of addressing feedstock limitations. Additionally, the study presents three plant species, four fish species, three microalga species, and one crustacean species with high protein content, all of which exhibit tolerance to brine salinity and show potential for cultivation in saline environments.
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