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

15 February, 2026

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

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02 February, 2026

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

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28 January, 2026

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

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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.

Dual Repurposing of End-of-Life BWRO Membranes: Ultrafiltration Membranes for Advanced Wastewater Treatment and Cation Exchange Membranes for Fungal Microbial Fuel Cells
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15010005
Authors: Anissa Somrani, Mehri Shabani, Zaineb Mohamed, Kholoud Abohelal, Salam. S. Alsharari, Ahmed Hannachi, Noreddine Ghaffour, Maxime Pontié
  • BW30-400
  • Cl2 attack
  • cation exchange membrane
  • Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane
  • fungal microbial fuel cell
  • recycling of SWE
Transforming end-of-life SWRO desalination membranes into nanofiltration membranes for the treatment of brackish water and wastewater
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-88818-3
Authors: Anissa Somrani, Zaineb Mohamed, Kholoud Abohelal, Sara Larhrib, Noreddine Ghaffour, Maxime Pontié
  • Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Membranes
  • End-of-Life Membrane Repurposing
  • Brackish Water Treatment
  • Sustainable Water Treatment Solutions
  • Desalination Membrane Reuse
Spacer Designs for Improved Hydrodynamics and Filtration Efficiency in Sea Water Reverse Osmosis
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15010032
Authors: Sarah Kerdi, Adnan Qamar, Henry J. Tanudjaja, Noreddine Ghaffour
  • Feed spacers
  • Reverse osmosis (RO)
  • direct numerical simulations
  • Concentration polarization
  • hydrodynamics
Algal organic matter (AOM) characterization and removal efficiency using various seawater desalination pretreatment techniques
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2025.118558
Authors: Mohammed Al Namazi, L.I. Sheng, Abdallatif Abdalrhman, Gary L. Amy, TorOve Leiknes, Noreddine Ghaffour
  • Fouling
  • Ceramic UF membrane
  • Seawater Desalination
  • Pretreatment
  • Dual media filter
  • Dissolved air flotation

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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.