CFD Simulation of Brine and Wastewater Mixing : Optimizing Environmental Impact in desalination Processes

This study presents a detailed simulation-based investigation of the mixing process between high-salinity brine from desalination plants and effluent from wastewater treatment facilities. The objective is to explore optimal conditions that promote the diffusion of brine into the wastewater stream, thereby reducing the overall salinity and mitigating the environmental impact of brine discharge. A two-dimensional CFD simulation was carried out to evaluate the effect of different configurations on the dilution efficiency. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in salinity reduction, effectively bringing the outlet concentration below the environmental threshold considered safe for marine ecosystems. Brine discharges from desalination plants can reach salinity levels as high as 60 000 PPM, which poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and disrupts environmental balance. The system proposed in this study achieved a dilution efficiency of approximately 60%, confirming its potential in mitigating such impacts. These findings provide valuable guidance for the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly discharge systems in desalination operations.