Managing Groundwater Salinization Toward Sustainability

Groundwater, a crucial freshwater source worldwide, is under threat of salinization due to the combined pressures of climate change and human activities, hindering sustainable development. This review explores both natural and anthropogenic sources and mechanisms of groundwater salinization (GWS). We describe the impacts of GWS on environmental and socioeconomic systems, highlighting the risks to agriculture, water quality, and public health. We also discuss monitoring and assessment techniques and knowledge gaps essential for effective management. We present successful case studies of interventions in seven countries, showcasing the feasibility and difficulty of effective management and mitigation strategies. Finally, we address sustainability challenges and outline future directions for research and policy, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift from reactive management to proactive, holistic, and adaptive stewardship.