Saudi Arabia’s sustainable desalination strategy

The Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea are major sources of seafood and vital reservoirs of two of the most precious resources: water and oil.

The rich marine ecosystems within these bodies of water are characterized by a diverse array of unique and indigenous plants and animals that play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance.

However, these sensitive habitats may experience significant physical and chemical stresses if the natural equilibrium is disturbed. 

Saudi Arabia is taking a leadership role on the global stage with its innovative and patented technologies developed by the Saudi Water Authority’s Water Technology Innovation and Research Development Institute.

These initiatives are focused not only on efficient desalination, but also on the responsible management of brine as a resource rather than merely as a waste product.

WTIIRA-SWA has created a groundbreaking dual brine concentration design that combines a nanofiltration system upstream of a reverse osmosis system and a membrane brine concentration system downstream.

This technology enables the extraction of two valuable brine streams: one that consists of concentrated and purified monovalent ions, which can be used to produce high-purity sodium chloride and bromine, and another that is rich in divalent ions usable for manufacturing various calcium and magnesium salts.

Such innovation not only contributes to the sustainability of desalination processes but also opens new avenues for economic viability, connecting the desalination industry to a range of applications in sectors such as chlor-alkali production, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

These initiatives are focused not only on efficient desalination, but also on the responsible management of brine as a resource rather than merely as a waste product.

Sarper Sarp

Another noteworthy achievement in this field is the extraction of vaterite calcium carbonate, distinguished by its unique chemical properties, including high porosity, increased surface area, greater solubility and biodegradability.

These attributes make vaterite calcium carbonate especially suitable for controlled release in pharmaceutical formulations, serving as an effective carrier for drug delivery. By harnessing such advanced materials, WTIIRA-SWA underscores its commitment to innovation in resource recovery.

Moreover, WTIIRA-SWA has implemented several pioneering strategies to minimize the environmental impact of desalination brine and preserve the precious ecosystems surrounding the Kingdom.

Efficient technology implementation: Modern desalination plants in Saudi Arabia utilize advanced technologies that emphasize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. 

Brine disposal management: In Saudi Arabia, the strategies for brine disposal are carefully considered. Detailed studies of dilution factors, dispersion patterns, and the assimilative capacity of the receiving marine environment are conducted to ensure that discharged brine is safely integrated without detrimental effects on marine life.

Monitoring and regulation: Rigorous environmental monitoring programs are established to assess the impact of desalination plant effluents on the marine ecosystem. 

Coastal ecosystem preservation: Strategic placement of desalination plants is intended to reduce impacts on sensitive coastal ecosystems. 

Research and development: Ongoing research and development initiatives aim to improve desalination technologies and processes further. 

Through these comprehensive approaches, WTIIRA-SWA is not only addressing the challenges of desalination but also setting a global standard for sustainability in the management of water resources.

• Sarper Sarp is a senior expert at the Saudi Water Authority’s Water Technology Innovation and Research Development Institute.