DESAL RESEARCH GROUP

Sustainable technologies for a water-secure future

LEARN MORE
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

15 February, 2026

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

Read more

02 February, 2026

New DESAL research published in Nature Communications advances energy-efficient desalination

Read more

28 January, 2026

DESAL and ACWA Power advance AI-based research for early membrane fouling detection

Read more
ADVANCING SCIENCE

Scientific Contributions

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

In-situ heat-activated peroxymonosulfate pretreatment for effective biofouling mitigation strategies in seawater membrane distillation
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2025.119148
Authors: Jaewon Lee, M. Obaid, Najat A Amin, Weilong Yang, Jieun Kim, Taegeun Park, Seonkyu Lee, Seunghwan Woo, Youngjin Kim, Min Zhan, Noreddine Ghaffour, Seungkwan Hong
  • Peroxymonosulfate
  • seawater desalination pretreatment
  • Membrane distillation
  • biofouling
  • Pretreatment
Natural products-based Janus hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane for efficient scaling-resistance and photothermal membrane distillation
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2025.124100
Authors: Min Li, Nan Shang, Jinheng Lei, Xun Zhou, Peiqing Zhang, Noreddine Ghaffour, Quan Feng, Zhenyu Li
  • Photothermal membrane distillation
  • Scaling resistance
  • Janus hydrophilic/hydrophobic
  • Melanin NPs
  • Sodium alginate
The potential of air micro-nano bubbles and nucleated CO2 bubbles as curative and preventive strategies for SWRO biofouling removal
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2025.118865
Authors: Damaris S. Alvarez Sosa, Alla Alpatova, Doskhan Ybyraiymkul, Kim Choon Ng, Noreddine Ghaffour, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Nadia Farhat
  • Reverse osmosis desalination
  • Membrane autopsy
  • Micro-nano bubbles
  • Nucleated CO2 bubbles
  • biofouling
  • Membrane cleaning
  • Biofilm removal
Probing the potential of surface-engineered titanium filler membranes for produced water treatment
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsamd.2025.100922
Authors: Nadia Hartini Suhaimi, Norwahyu Jusoh, Nur Asyraf Md Akhir, Boon Kar Yap, Muhammad Saqib Nawaz, Noreddine Ghaffour
  • Forward osmosis
  • Thin film composite membrane
  • MIL-125-NH2
  • Produced water recovery

New Era Of Accelerated Impact

DISCOVER THE NEW KAUST STRATEGY
GET IN TOUCH

Collaborate with Us

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.