Salt to Sanctuary: Desalination and Ecology of Bays and Estuaries

Could desalination actually help or hurt coastal environments? In this episode, we uncover the secret life of bays, estuaries, and the critters that call them home. Plus — what could desalination mean for our salty ecosystems? Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the ecology of bays and estuaries in relation to desalination with Paul Montagna of Harte Research Institute.

Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!

First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:10)  

Last episode, Bill Norris and I coined the “Hydro-illogical cycle;” what did we mean by that?

• A) Constructing desalination facilities is most expensive in times of drought vs times of ample water

• B) Heavy rains and flooding do not necessarily end drought
• C) More rain can mean more runoff, resulting in increased pollution of our waterways

Today’s Keywords: (04:34)

• Discharge Point: the pipe where the wastewater (brine concentrate) from desalination is released into surrounding water bodies (such as bays or estuaries)

• Non-point Source Pollution: pollutants that enter water bodies from diffuse sources rather than singular identifiable sources (fertilizer runoff, litter, etc.)

• Benthic/Benthos: describes anything associated with or occurring on the bottom of a body of water.

Today’s Guest: Paul Montagna, Endowed Chair for HydroEcology at Harte Research Institute at TAMU-CC

• Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:44)

Paul Montagna explores the ecological impacts of desalination:

• Waving the Book: Paul discusses his latest written work, Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries (GO READ IT!!!). (09:27)

• River Systems Breakdown: What is considered a bay vs estuary, and how do they connect inland water bodies to the coast? (11:50)

• Nutrient-Rich Nursery Grounds: How coastal regions contribute to safe breeding grounds. (13:50)

• Bay-stuary Stressors: Paul outlines several integrated factors threatening the health of coastal habitats. (17:45)

• Combined Priorities: "They care as much as we do,” learn how desalination plant designs often align with environmental priorities. (24:50)

• Environmental Benefits of Desal: Can desalination replenish other environmental flows? (32:04)

And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!

• Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about economic considerations of desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University.

Episode Links and Resources:

• Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries

• Texas Desalination Association

• Submit a question to the pod!

Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.

Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.