Abstract
Along the Brazilian shoreline, on the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte State Brazil) are located the largest solar saltworks of the country. The present research aims to evaluate the sustainability of the consumption of estuarine water and the area required for salt production in Brazilian solar saltworks situated along the estuary of the River Apodi-Mossoró (Rio Grande do Norte State). The analysis of the total area of production values, water volume estuary used and annual salt production was carried out, relating to the area required for this production in a solar saltwork located upstream (lower estuary) and another downstream (high estuary) in this estuary. That due to high salinity values of estuarine water upstream, the downstream saltworks require a production area three times larger than those located upstream, which obtain a production only twice superior. It was verified that the saltworks located downstream utilize the largest area and require more water volume for salt production.
Key words:
Wetlands; Salt production; Management; Brazil
