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.

Pre-pilot forward osmosis – Membrane distillation hybrid system for sustainable produced water treatment and reducing volume of hazardous waste in oil and gas industry
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.106628
Authors: Hyuk Soo Son, Alla Alpatova, Muhammad Saqib Nawaz, Sofiane Soukane, Sandra C. Medina, Veerabhadraiah Gudideni, Ali Al-Qahtani, Dalaver H. Anjum, Noreddine Ghaffour
  • Processed water treatment
  • Desalination
  • Scale-up system
  • Membrane fouling
  • Partial wetting
  • Membrane Scaling
Evaluation of liquid ferrate role on controlling assimilable organic carbon (AOC) formation for seawater desalination pretreatment during harmful algal blooms
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2024.100940
Authors: Abdullah H. Alshahri, Abdullah H.A. Dehwah, Harvey Winters, Noreddine Ghaffour, Thomas M. Missimer
  • seawater desalination pretreatment
  • Harmful algal blooms
  • Coagulation
  • Ferrate
  • assimilable organic carbon (AOC)
  • biofouling
Balancing Surface Chemistry and Flake Size of MXene‐Based Electrodes for Bioelectrochemical Reactors
Year: 2024 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202406223
Authors: Pewee. D. Kolubah, Hend Omar Mohamed, Ananda Rao Hari, Yue Ping, Mohamed Ben Hassine, Pia Dally, M. Obaid, Xiangming Xu, Jehad K. El-Demellawi, Pascal E. Saikaly, Mario Lanza, Noreddine Ghaffour, Pedro Castaño
  • MXenes
  • Energy harvesting
  • Bioelectrochemical systems
  • Delamination methods
Superhydrophobic pancake-like graphene oxide for zero liquid discharge solar desalination of real brines
Year: 2025 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.130478
Authors: Sarah Almahfoodh, M. Obaid, Sofiane Soukane, Khalid Alhamdan, Noreddine Ghaffour
  • Graphene
  • Photothermal
  • Solar interfacial desalination
  • Desalination
  • Brine
  • ZLD

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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.