Current production of desalinated water is expected to quadruple by 2019 (Edwards et al., While large-scale desalination significantly increases water availability, it has potentially adverse environmental impacts in the form of greater energy consumption and subsequent increases in greenhouse gas emissions (OECD, 2011 a). Brine discharges to the sea can lead to substantial increases in salinity and temperature, and to the accumulation of metals (e.g. iron), hydrocarbons and toxic anti-fouling compounds in receiving waters (Roberts et al.,