Reverse Osmosis Concentrate Management through Halophyte Farming

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The costs of concentrate management of a conventional Reverse Osmosis (RO) facility are up to 50% of the capital requirements and operation expenses. These costs are primarily associated with mitigating the environmental impacts of the concentrate. Research to validate the viability of halophyte farming for concentrate management - including addressing ground water protection and long-term crop production efficacy – is necessary to analyze the feasibility are necessary. - are part of the proposed research. The purpose of this project is to collect additional data to analyze the feasibility of growing Atriplex sp. seedlings for farming, revegetation and restoration projects. This project will also afford the opportunity to advance the state of knowledge in reducing the environmental impacts of OM concentrates, including the recovery and use of salts or other materials contained in the reject stream, salinity modeling, and toxicity analysis of the concentrate discharges into the environment. The project will all analyze the carbon sequestration potential of halophyte farming as compared to other CM options.

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