| Use of waste from desalination plants for the cultivation of halophytes |
| MACKENZIE PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY |
| Armelin |
| Liliane |
| PhD in Hydrology and Water Management |
| liliane.armelin@mackenzie.br |
| Engineering school |
| Brazil |
| 55(11) 99182-0898 |
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| Halophytes, Desalination, Sustainability, Bioeconomy |
| The Brazilian semi-arid region has more than 1,000 small water desalination units because the water underground is brackish, unsuitable for consumption. These units produce a residue consisting of water with a higher concentration of salts than treated water. Treated water is discarded in inappropriate places such as streams, sewage collection ducts or on the ground. Seen the semi-arid is a region with little water availability, the use of this waste can constitute an input in agricultural activity with an emphasis on halophytes that can provide an opportunity to carry out income generation in a poor region. Sarcocornia ambigua, the first halophyte being studied, has therapeutic properties, is edible in the form of salads or preserves and can give rise to the so-called "green salt". We seek partnerships that can transform this plant into products of added economic value and that can provide benefits to its consumers. |
| The project aims to reduce the impact of desalination plants operating in the Brazilian semi-arid region through the use of waste generated by these systems in the cultivation of Sarcocornia ambigua, an edible halophyte. The waste from desalination plants constitutes approximately 50% of the total desalinated water, constituting an abundant water source. |
| In the context of this project there are opportunities for companies that want to use the plant to produce food or medicine. Some studies show that similar halophytes are consumed naturally or in the form of preserves and are also used to produce the so-called "green salt" that can be used in food without the harmful effects of sodium chloride. |
