Environmental Issues of Desalination

Abstract

Environmental issues related to desalination are a major factor in the design and implementation of desalination technologies. An acceptable desalination plant is expected to meet environmental regulations; be cost-effective in terms of construction, operation and management, as well as the costs associated with monitoring and permit fees. Some major environmental concerns include issues related to location of desalination plants and water intake structures, and concentrate management and disposal. This chapter provides an overview of the environmental issues related to desalination.