Environmental implications of Tajoura reverse osmosis desalination plant

Abstract

Water resources in North Africa are limited and do not meet the future water demand. The water shortage is very severe in Libya which is located in a semi-desert region. The available water resources in Libya are mainly the groundwater which is not enough to meet its people needs due to many reasons, among them is seawater intrusion. Desalination of seawater is one of the main alternatives for the substitution of water shortage in Libya and other North African countries. Despite the fact that desalination technology is an important option for providing potable/industrial water, it has some negative impacts on environment. High concentrated brine discharges from desalination plant is the main cause of negative impacts. Noise, visual impact, air pollution, impact on the aquifer, and disturbance of recreation areas are other environmental impacts on a more local scale. The aim of this study was to highlight the environmental impacts of Tajoura reverse osmosis desalination plant on the local environment. The findings of this study reveal that the most concerning issues identified from the existing Tajoura RO desalination plant are brine concentrate, noise pollution, and chemical hazards.

Keywords:

• Desalination
• Reverse osmosis
• Brine disposal
• Noise pollution
• Environmental impacts

Acknowledgment

The author would like to thank all workers in Tajoura RO desalination plant for their assistance during the course of this work. They showed a very serious care to the environment and have the desire to work intensively in order to keep the plant running with no or less negative impacts on the environment.