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.

Balancing biofouling control in membrane distillation by “shock” chlorination
Year: 2026 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-026-00578-3
Authors: Daniel Dylewsk, Alla Alpatova, Graciela Gonzalez-Gil, Najat A Amin, Valentina-Elena Musteata, Stephen Ogg, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Noreddine Ghaffour
  • Membrane distillation (MD)
  • Biofouling Control
  • Shock Chlorination
  • Seawater Desalination
  • Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD)
Advanced assessment of membrane fouling in seawater reverse osmosis plants using permeate quality degradation indicators
Year: 2026 DOI:https://doi.org/10.12912/27197050/219506
Authors: Fatma Alaoui, Amel Alioua Berrebah, Noreddine Ghaffour, Djillali Benouali, Fatma Belhoucine, Yamina Merzouk
  • conductivity
  • Membrane fouling
  • Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Membranes
  • permeate quality
  • salt rejection
  • cleaning-in-place
  • fouling diagnostics
Exploring the mechanism of tartrazine dye adsorption by Parthenium hysterophorus biochar for sustainable textile wastewater treatment
Year: 2026 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-025-06802-w
Authors: K. Younas, A. Jamil, M. Ahmad, Noreddine Ghaffour, Muhammad Saqib Nawaz
  • Parthenium hysterophorus
  • Dye wastewater treatment
  • Environmental remediation
  • Column adsorptionmodeling
  • Adsorption kinetics
Subnanoporous hydrophobic thin films for ultrahigh-efficiency seawater and brines desalination using membrane distillation
Year: 2026 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-68158-6
Authors: M. Obaid, Sofiane Soukane, Mohammed Rasool Qtaishat, Yaping Zhang, Vincent Guillerm, Hend Omar Mohamed, Maya Ayach, Venkatesh Singaravelu, Pedro Castaño, Guillaume Maurin, Mohamed Eddaoudi, Takeshi Matsuura, Noreddine Ghaffour

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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.