Soil deterioration as influenced by land disposal of reject brine from Salbukh water desalination plant at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Impact of reject brine chemical composition on soils in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, was evaluated. Soil samples at three depths along transect on both sides of the pond were taken, in addition to, water samples from feed, product, reject and pond. Results showed that, the salinity of the brine reached up to, 5500 mg l− 1. The concentrations of soluble ions were exceeding the allowable limits in most water samples. The ratio of major ions and concentration factor was higher. The concentrations of heavy metals were in the allowable limits for drinking water standards especially, in the feed, and product waters. Results pertaining soil properties indicated that the soil pH, ECe values and, the concentrations of soluble ions were higher in soils closed to the pond. Also, the concentrations of heavy metals were negatively correlated with CaCO3 content and soil pH (expect for Pb; Zn; Cd and Cr), while it was highly correlated with clay content of the soil. Generally, higher ESP and ECe values in the studied soils can lead to lower permeability, poor aeration and consequently soil deterioration.