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.

Evaluating synergistic toxicology effects of mixed microplastics on marine micro crustacean Artemia salina

by Mariam Ali, Hira Amjad, Imran Hashmi, Hassan Shafiq, Noreddine Ghaffour, Muhammad Saqib Nawaz
Year: 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104671

Abstract

 The contamination of marine ecosystems by microplastics constitutes a pressing environmental threat. This study aims to evaluate and compare potential hazards posed by individual and combined microplastics on filter-feeding microcrustacean, Artemia (A) salina. With the recognition of a vast array of microplastics present in the environment, the current study specifically investigated the impact of a triad of prominent microplastics, polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), on the survival, bioaccumulation, and swimming behavior of A. salina under both mono- and co-exposure conditions. The research findings unveil significant differences in the lethal concentration (LC50) values of individual microplastics. PP, HDPE, and LDPE exhibited LC50 values of 124, 107, and 103 mg/L, respectively. Intriguingly, when all three microplastics co-existed, a marked decrease in the LC50 value to 68.2 mg/L was observed, indicating heightened mortality resulting from the compounded stress imposed by these polymers. Swimming declined significantly at higher microplastic concentrations in both mono and co-exposure modes; however, the impacts were adverse under co-exposure conditions. Bioaccumulation analysis revealed that microplastic accumulation in A. salina is dependent upon exposure concentration. These results highlight the increased ecological risk posed by combined microplastic exposures. These findings are also more relevant to real-time environmental conditions where co-exposure dominantly takes place.

Keywords

Plastic pollutio Microplastics co-exposure Marine ecosystem contamination Bioaccumulation Swimming behavior

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