ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to provide insights on integrated brine management, with a view to circular economy. Circular economy approach for seawater desalination brine: focus on industry desalination. Every concentrate management method has different costs, benefits, environmental impacts, and limitations. The costs are highly dependent on the concentrate volume. The chapter focuses on the valorization of the brine effluent generated by seawater desalination plants. Seawater comprises a complex solution of water containing nearly all elements of the periodic system. According to market prices for these salts and water, the economic value of the seawater desalination brine effluent was calculated. The chapter aims at providing a different approach in brine management, by viewing this problematic wastewater flow as a resource. After the quantification of the economic value of brine, an analysis of the desalination sector in Europe is made and in particular in the Mediterranean region.
