• Metocean Data Selection (lowest currents in a one-year period and therefore a worst case, and the second period close to the median of the one-year period, representing a realistic case at the release point)
  • Cumulative & Instantaneous Risk for the Water column
  • Time percentage with significant risk
  • Main Contributors to the Environmental Risk identified.

The goal of an environmental modelling study of brine release at sea is to predict the dispersion and ecological impact of brine discharges from desalination plants or other industrial processes. This study involves simulating the movement and dilution of high-salinity water, assessing how it interacts with marine currents, temperature gradients, and biological communities. By modelling these dynamics, the study aims to identify potential areas of ecological stress, evaluate the impact on marine life, and inform the development of mitigation strategies to minimize environmental harm. Results from such studies are vital for ensuring sustainable industrial practices. For instance, an environmental modelling study of brine released in the North Sea revealed that brine plumes could significantly increase local salinity levels, adversely affecting fish populations within a 3-kilometer radius of the discharge point. These findings prompted the implementation of improved dispersion techniques and stricter regulatory limits on brine concentrations, thereby protecting sensitive marine habitats and maintaining the ecological balance.

Figure 1: Cumulative environmental risk in the water column after a brine release from the seabed.
Figure 2: Total environmental risk on the water column depending on the distance from the release point.