Modeling brine discharge dispersion from two adjacent desalination outfalls in coastal waters

A far field mathematical model for two brine outfall discharges that incorporates the effect of an oscillating tidal current is used to study the merging and interaction of two brine plumes in coastal waters. The maximum compounded shoreline concentration is formulated and used as a measure for assessing the long term salinity build-up of brine discharges into the sea. It is found that the modern engineering practice which installs a two-port diffuser at the end of the outfall pipe does produce less potential environmental impact.