ABSTRACT
The seawater desalination industry is experiencing a tremendous growth. The combined capacity of all desalination plants worldwide increased from 28 million m3 per day (Mm3/d) in 2007 by 30% to 36 Mm3/d in 2009. While thermal distillation plants predominate in the Middle East, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the preferred process in most other countries. The development potential for SWRO seems boundless in the face of an ongoing urbanization and industrialization of many coastal areas. However, as the need for desalination accelerates in many parts of the world, concerns are raised over the various adverse impacts of desalination plants on the environment.
