Brine Evaluation Prior to Disposal

Before a brine is disposed of onto a soil or into a water system, an evaluation should be carried out to determine the brine s potential to contaminate such systems. In carrying out such an evaluation, one must first determine the concentrations of heavy metals and toxic organics in the brine. Since the mechanism of detoxification is basically dilution of NaCl, certain procedures for brine disposition should be followed, depending on the content of heavy metals and boron. When the brine contains high concentrations of heavy metals and boron, the first consideration must be the potential of dilution to bring the concentration of heavy metals and boron to within an acceptable range. The next concern is to be sure that the magnitude of EC and SAR upon dilution will be within the critical thresholds ( 2 and 5, respectively). 

When NaCl is the dominant pollutant, the brine should be evaluated with respect to its chloride concentration (EC) and SAR. A classification scheme can be employed for this evaluation. In classifying brines an important consideration is the interaction 

The most troublesome brines are the ones that have high SAR and high salt (e.g., brine 4D). Disposal of such brines onto soils should be carried out in accordance with 

Calculate the osmotic potential of an irrigation water with an EC of 10 mmhos cm-1. Explain whether the osmotic potential of this water would be too high for plants. 

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