A review of the potential of seawater brine for enhancing food security in hot arid climates: A case study of Qatar

This study explores Qatar's utilisation of seawater to support food security, emphasising the innovative strategies and technological advancements to address the environmental and agricultural challenges posed by rejected brine from desalination processes. It examines various brine treatment and disposal methodologies, highlighting the environmental impacts and proposing sustainable solutions to mitigate these effects. The discussion further explores the potential of electrodialysis and other emerging technologies for converting rejected brine into valuable agricultural resources, thereby contributing to food security in arid regions. Through a comprehensive review of current research and potential innovations, this study highlights the critical intersection of water resource management, environmental sustainability, and food production, particularly in Qatar's unique geographical and climatic conditions. • Qatar uses desalination for water, impacting the environment with brine production. • Around 6,876.4 m³ of freshwater is made daily in the Gulf, ejecting ∼2.75×10⁵ m³ of salt. • Using rejected brine in agriculture could boost productivity in arid areas like Qatar.