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.

Sustainable energy production from domestic wastewater via bioelectrochemical reactors using MXene efficient electrodes decorated with transition metal nanoparticles
Year: 2024 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.113793
Authors: Pewee D. Kolubah, Hend Omar Mohamed, Mohamed N. Hedhili, Mohamed Ben Hassine, Rubén Díaz-Rúa, Daniela I. Drautz-Moses, M. Obaid, Noreddine Ghaffour, Pascal Saikaly, Pedro Castaño
  • Microbial fuel cells
  • Biofilm attachment
  • Iron oxide
  • Power generation
  • Anode modification
Computational fluid dynamics simulations of solar-assisted, spacer-filled direct contact membrane distillation: Seeking performance improvement
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.116181
Authors: Abolfazl Ansari, Fariba Malekpour Galogahi, Graeme Millar, Fernanda Helfer, Noreddine Ghaffour, Sofiane Soukane
  • Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD)
  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Temperature polarisation
  • Concentration polarisation
  • Solar absorber
  • spacer filament
  • Water treatment
Computational fluid dynamics modelling of air-gap membrane distillation: Spacer-filled and solar-assisted modules
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.116207
Authors: Abolfazl Ansari, Fariba Malekpour Galogahi, Graeme Millar, Fernanda Helfer
  • Air-gap membrane distillation (AGMD)
  • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Solar absorber
  • Spacer
  • Temperature and concentration polarisation
Recent advances and future prospects in direct solar desalination systems using membrane distillation technology
Year: 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135737
Authors: Ahmad Bamasag, Eydhah Almatrafi, Talal Alqahtani, Patrick Phelan, Misbah Ullah
  • Direct solar desalination
  • Membrane distillation
  • Photothermal membranes

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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.