New water sources are not easily accessible. This makes it difficult for many regions of the world to meet the water needs of their fast-expanding populations. Some have suggested tapping into unconventional water sources, such as brackish groundwater, to address these new needs.
Growing demands on freshwater resources can be mitigated through the responsible development of brackish groundwater, which can increase supply. Water providers, including water utilities and municipalities, find that brackish groundwater, which requires salt removal before distribution, is economically advantageous.
Some cities have opted to pay for cutting-edge treatment rather than more water rights or construct more infrastructure (such as pipelines, canals, and dams) to store and transport water.
Where is brackish groundwater most commonly found in nature?
The most common locations for brackish surface water are where rivers carrying freshwater meet the ocean’s saltwater. Seas, estuaries, mangrove forests, and brackish marshes are just a few diverse habitats formed by this combination of salty and fresh water. Another form of brackish water is groundwater.
Is it okay to water a garden with brackish water?
There are a few exceptions, such as plants found in the ocean, but salt severely damages the majority of garden plants. Never water your plants with salt water; avoid anything that could contain too much salt and harm the plants.
Effect of brackish water on plants
Irrigating your landscape or garden with salt water can severely harm plants with its high salt content. The plants could get leaf burns if the salt water touches them.
The effects of brackish water on soil are considerably more detrimental. The plant may be unable to absorb water and nutrients if the soil is too salty. The soil might be sucking water out of the roots if the salinity levels are high enough. Salt damage can also cause dying tissue on the surface of the leaves, burnt leaves, and stunted growth, among other signs. Crops that are damaged will have lower yields.
4 Plants that do well in brackish water
It is not easy to make a house in brackish water. Fluctuating acidity levels and low oxygen levels for plants are consequences of ecosystems being entangled with the tides, which flood and drain the environment twice every day. Water currents and harsh winds also harm plants. However, the most difficult part might be dealing with the high salt concentrations.
Use only pure tap water while watering houseplants. This keeps the water flowing into the plant cells, which in turn causes them to stand upright. The reverse is true when it comes to watering plants with salt water. Osmosis causes water actually to evaporate from plant cells. This leaves them even more dehydrated than before you added the salt water. All plants that thrive in brackish water have evolved unique mechanisms to withstand high salt levels. Next, we will examine a few examples.
- Black Needlerush
Upon initial observation, this plant might appear devoid of leaves and comprised solely of underground stems. However, close inspection reveals that the black needlerush gets its name from the fact that it is covered in little, needle-shaped gray leaves.
The brackish water’s salinity determines the growth rate of this plant, which is native to salt marshes. This tall plant can reach a height of 7 feet in areas with slight salinity. However, it can only reach a height of one foot in areas with higher salt concentrations.
Smooth Cordgrass
Estuaries are abundant throughout the US East Coast, where freshwater streams and rivers meet salty oceans to form brackish water ecosystems. The long grasses that line the shore are notable in these habitats. Smooth cordgrass is one type of these grasses.
This multipurpose grass has evolved a number of strategies to thrive in the harsh brackish water environment, where it can reach heights of 6 to 7 feet. To begin with, it can withstand the regular assaults of the tides on the sandy soil it grows in, thanks to its intricate root structure. This aids its stability on a coastline eroded by waves and currents. In addition to the usual root-based water absorption capabilities, smooth cordgrass may, if required, draw freshwater from the saltwater that swamps its environment.
- Seaside Brookweed
Stream banks, seeps, and tidal marshes are places to find seaside brookweed, a perennial flowering plant. This is an intriguing plant for the paludarium and works well as a foreground accent in brackish water and freshwater tanks.
This aquatic plant’s tiny, rosette-shaped leaves are oval to broad, have rounded ends, and are pale green, while the white blooms are carried on long stalks. Underwater, seaside brookweed can reach a height of 15 cm, though this might vary greatly depending on the growing conditions.
A small number of plant species can withstand extremely high salt concentrations, and brookweed is among them. Before you buy this plant for your brackish tank, keep in mind that it may not be able to survive very long periods completely submerged, no matter how perfect the water chemistry is.
- Java Fern
When it comes to aquatic plants, Java fern is among the best. This species can thrive in brackish and freshwater environments and is reasonably easy to grow.
Submerged or partially submerged, this slow-growing plant flourishes along freshwater rivers and streams in coastal brackish areas and tropical rain forests. Java ferns may make it in cheap brackish tanks with salinity up to 7 ppt, while some species may struggle in environments with greater specific gravity.
However, before placing the plant in an already brackish tank, it is important to acclimate it to the environment gradually. As an epiphytic species, it thrives when attached to rocks, driftwood, and other hardscape elements with fishing wire or adhesives.
Does brackish water have bacteria?
The bacteria Vibrio vulnificus is typically found in salt, warm, and brackish water environments and shellfish during hot conditions. It has the potential to produce an uncommon but severe disease if it is contracted.
How can you get it?
- Putting exposed scratches, cuts, or wounds in contact with saltwater or brackish water.
- Consuming raw crabs, shrimp, oysters, or serving without proper cooking.
Who is at risk?
- A minor infection can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.
- People with weak immune systems, especially those dealing with long-term liver illness.
Conclusion
The high salt content of brackish groundwater requires extensive treatment before it can be used for most purposes. Reverse osmosis, where water is pushed under high pressure across a salt-rejecting membrane, is typically used to treat brackish groundwater.