DESAL RESEARCH GROUP

Sustainable technologies for a water-secure future

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KEY VALUES

Committed to excellence

We aim to be at the forefront of global efforts to contribute to a water-secure future. We envision a world where sustainable desalination technologies and water treatment solutions are pivotal in providing clean and safe water to communities and fostering economic growth. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, we aspire to set new standards for excellence in the field, leaving a long-lasting effect on the well-being of societies and the health of our planet.

About
DESAL team at the lab
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY

Driven by innovation, recognized by impact

The DESAL Research Group pioneers advancements in desalination and wastewater treatment, prioritizing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Our focus on cutting-edge research and efficiency aims to address global water challenges and support sustainable development goals.

NEWS & UPDATES 

Discover the latest breakthroughs from our team

30 June, 2026

Professor Noreddine Ghaffour Receives the 2025 Kuwait Prize in Applied Sciences

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27 March, 2026

DESAL spotlighted in Filtration + Separation for breakthrough in low‑energy desalination

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15 February, 2026

DESAL summer intern Imran Alturkistani wins national awards at Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair

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ADVANCING SCIENCE

Scientific Contributions

Through research papers, patents, and PhD dissertations, we push the boundaries of knowledge, driving innovation in desalination and water treatment.

Co–TiO2 supported on reduced graphene oxide as a highly active and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen generation
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.127232
Authors: Hager M. Moustafa, Vijay K.Velisoju, Hend Omar Mohamed, Pewee Datoo Kolubah, Xueli Yao, Pedro Castaño
  • Water splitting
  • Reduced graphene oxide
  • TiO2
  • Non-noble metal catalysts
  • H2 evolution
Prediction of particulate fouling in full-scale reverse osmosis plants using the modified fouling index – ultrafiltration (MFI-UF) method
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.116478
Authors: Mohanad Abunada, Raffay Gulrez, Almotasembellah Abushaban, Herman Smit, David Moed, Pamela Ajok, Yuke Li, Almotasembellah Abushaban, Hernan Smit, David Moed, Noreddine Ghaffour, Jan C. Schippers, Maria d. Kennedy
  • Reverse osmosis (RO)
  • Particulate fouling prediction
  • MFi-UF
  • Particle deposition factor
  • Membrane surface porosity correction
The evolution of feed spacer role in membrane applications for desalination and water treatment: A critical review and future perspective
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2023.116505
Authors: Nurshaun Sreedhar, Navya Thomas, Hassan A. Arafat
  • Feed spacers
  • Desalination
  • Water treatment
  • Novel designs
  • 3D printing technology
  • Fouling
Calibrating and Validating the MFI-UF Method to Measure Particulate Fouling in Reverse Osmosis
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13050535
Authors: Mohanad Abunada, Nirajan Dhakal, William Z. Andyar, Yuke Li, Pamela Ajok, Jan C. Schippers, Maria d. Kennedy
  • Reverse Osmosis
  • Particulate fouling
  • MFi-UF
  • Calibration
  • Linearity

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Be part of our journey towards cleaner, safer water, reduced environmental impact, and economic growth. Whether you're a researcher, industry expert, or passionate advocate, let's collaborate to set new standards in desalination and wastewater treatment.