Abstract
Effluent discharge from desalting brackish water and inland shrimp farms has created environmental problems in due to soil salinization. Thus, studies have been accomplished seeking the use of this desalting wastewater for aquaculture and subsequently irrigation of halophytes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of desalting wastewater, associated to shrimp cultivation to irrigate the halophyte Atriplex nummularia and the effect of this plant on salt extraction from soil. This specie was efficient in removing salt from the soil, being an alternative to avoid the effects of salinization. In the presence of manure in the soil, however, A. nummularia was not efficient in reducing the levels of Na+ and K+ Therefore; use of manure is not recommended when the purpose of the cultivation is to reclaim saline soils.
Key words:
saline wastewater; aquiculture effluent, halophyte
