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Present Situation and Environmental Impact of Seawater Desalination Plants in Morocco

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Technical and Technological Solutions Towards a Sustainable Society and Circular Economy

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Abstract

Similar to other nations in the Middle East and North Africa, Morocco grapples with water scarcity, exacerbated by depleting groundwater reserves resulting from heightened urbanization, population expansion, industrialization, and climate change. To address the water needs of densely populated coastal cities, the prospect of utilizing seawater desalination has been under consideration as a possible solution. By the year 2030, Morocco is working towards a goal of boosting the production of drinking water through desalination to a minimum of 1 billion cubic meters, catering to both consumption and irrigation requirements. The aim of this work is twofold. Firstly, to examine Moroccan experiences in seawater desalination, focusing on the employed technologies and their current operational status. Secondly, to provide an overview of the impacts of desalination activity on the marine environment. Additionally, the latest progress in managing brine for eco-friendly desalination and promoting a robust marine environment.

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Azdem, D., Mabrouki, J., Moufti, A., Hajjaji, S.E., Fatni, A. (2024). Present Situation and Environmental Impact of Seawater Desalination Plants in Morocco. In: Mabrouki, J., Mourade, A. (eds) Technical and Technological Solutions Towards a Sustainable Society and Circular Economy. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-56292-1_46

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