Abstract Summary
The global role for desalinisation is rapidly growing. Most desalination plants discharge a highly saline brine into the sea. In this paper, and based upon studies in Cyprus and Kuwait, we look at various facets of brine impacts on the marine environment, considering all levels of biological hierarchy from the level of molecules to cells, to whole organisms and to ecosystems. Particular emphasis will be given to marine chemistry, the physiology and ecology of seagrasses, macroalgal diversity and physiology, and the biodiversity of benthic invertebrates and diatoms. In a synthetic outlook, the paper will identify the frontiers for further interdisciplinary research, encompassing environmental sciences, engineering and, given the unique situation of Cyprus, also highlight geopolitical aspects.
