Environmental Impact Assessment of Water Desalinating Systems: Kuwait as a case study

Eissa S. Al-Mutairi, Environmental Engineering, management and technology, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University Mansoura, 35516, EgyptFollow
Ibrahim.G. Rashed, Engineering Mathematics and Physics Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
Mohamed.M. El-Halwany, Engineering Mathematics and Physics Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
Mohamed A. Mosaad, Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt

Subject Area

Chemical Engineering

Article Type

Review

Abstract

The challenge of managing water resources is intensifying due to rapid urbanization, population expansion, and the growth of industry and agriculture. Furthermore, the looming threat of climate change significantly impacts both water resources and crop yields. In Kuwait, the majority of its potable water supply is dependent on seawater desalination. Specifically, multistage flash (MSF) desalination accounts for nearly 90% of the country's total desalination capacity, while the remaining 10% is generated using multi-effect distillation (MED) technology. Nevertheless, the environmental repercussions of desalination on Kuwait's ecosystem remain a subject of profound concern. This study employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing peer-reviewed journal articles in conjunction with data and reports from governmental and corporate institutions, to delve into the extensive ramifications of desalination in Kuwait. This exploration encompasses the scale of desalination operations, their impact on the coastal marine environment, and the resultant carbon footprint. Upon meticulous analysis of available data pertaining to desalinated water production and energy consumption, our findings indicate that Kuwait produced a staggering 740.10 million cubic meters of desalinated water per year as at the year 2022. Additionally, the research reveals that desalination in Kuwait contributes significantly to various environmental metrics, which bear direct relevance to understanding the impact of brine discharge on critical ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows, which are prevalent in the Mediterranean seabed. Furthermore, they provide valuable guidance for decision-makers as they endeavor to reduce net carbon emissions and navigate the complex landscape of environmental stewardship.

Keywords

Kuwait, seawater desalination, multistage flash distillation, reverse osmosis Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Al-Mutairi, Eissa S.; Rashed, Ibrahim.G.; El-Halwany, Mohamed.M.; and Mosaad, Mohamed A. (2024) "Environmental Impact Assessment of Water Desalinating Systems: Kuwait as a case study," Mansoura Engineering Journal: Vol. 49 : Iss. 4 , Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58491/2735-4202.3209

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