Use of Saline Waste from a Desalination Plant under the Principles of the Circular Economy for the Sustainable Development of Rural Communities

Abstract

In the region of Arica and Parinacota, Chile (South America), concerned about the environment, the use of brine from a reverse osmosis plant was considered as irrigation water, which is generally discharged into the sea, sewers, or nearby rivers. In this sense, the integrated management of this waste was studied under the 3 principles and 11 strategies of the circular economy, for which it will be used to produce halophilic fodder (Atriplex nummularia), supporting the sustainability of livestock farmers in the sector. As for the results, it was estimated that with 86,400 Lh-1 in 20 days of brine, 400 A. nummularia plants would be irrigated, with an energy consumption of 31,319 kWh per day, through a photovoltaic system. In addition, of the 11 strategies of the circular economy, this study complies with 9 of them. It is noteworthy that the combination of brackish water desalination technologies and solar energy to produce A. nummularia would avoid the production of 1.5 tons of CO2. Finally, this study opens potential opportunities for future research, for the implementation of this type of project in rural communities, considering an optimization in the management of saline waste and water.