Feasibility of using reverse osmosis brines for crop cultivation of Salicornia bigelovii under arid conditions

Arlett Leticia Ibarra-Villarreal, Marco Antonio Gutiérrez-Coronado, Rosario Montoya-Pizeno, Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente, Omar Cuevas-Salazar, Germán Eduardo Dévora-Isiordia

Article ID: 8574
Vol 4, Issue 3, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23812/ssd8574

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Abstract

The increased use of desalination technologies has generated significant volumes of brine; the improper management poses an environmental risk. The reuse of this byproduct for irrigating halophytic species emerges as a sustainable alternative, helping to reduce ecological impacts and promote agricultural production in areas affected by salinity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using brine from reverse osmosis processes in the cultivation of Salicornia bigelovii by analyzing its effects on soil salinization, plant growth, biomass production, and plant protein content. The study evaluated the morphometric response of Salicornia bigelovii to different irrigation salinity concentrations (34,000–50,000 mg L⁻¹ salinity). Comparing the concentration of 42,000 mg L-1 with the others treatments, it was found that this concentration promoted plant growth, as evidenced by greater height, number of branches, other treatments, it was found that this concentration promoted plant growth, as evidenced by greater height, number of branches, and fresh and dry weight. In addition, it maintained a high protein content (9.16%) compared to the control of 34,000 mg L-1 (10.16%). However, at 50,000 mg L⁻¹ salinity, a significant reduction was observed in all evaluated parameters, indicating that the plant tolerance threshold was exceeded due to effects such as ionic toxicity and osmotic stress. Furthermore, physicochemical analyses of the substrate revealed that salinity induces conditions similar to those found in Solonchak, a type of coastal saline soil characterized by high electrical conductivity and high sodium content. These findings support the use of brine as a viable irrigation alternative, provided that plants salt tolerance limits are respected, establishing Salicornia bigelovii as a promising option for cultivation in coastal and desert areas.


Keywords

desalination; halophytes; salinity; sustainability; water scarcity


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Copyright (c) 2026 Arlett Leticia Ibarra-Villarreal, Marco Antonio Gutiérrez-Coronado, Rosario Montoya-Pizeno, Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente, Omar Cuevas-Salazar, Germán Eduardo Dévora-Isiordia

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