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.

Harnessing machine learning for transmembrane pressure prediction in MBR systems during textile wastewater treatment

by Onaira Zahoor, Sher Jamal Khan, Muhammad Usama, Henry J. Tanudjaja, Noreddine Ghaffour, Muhammad Saqib Nawaz
Year: 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dwt.2025.101238

Abstract

Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) are preferred for treating high-strength industrial wastewater due to their exceptional treatment efficiency and compact design. However, membrane fouling remains a significant challenge that limits their broader application. Since transmembrane pressure (TMP) is closely associated with membrane fouling mechanisms, its accurate prediction is essential for anticipating fouling events. This study focuses on predicting TMP in a bench-scale MBR by employing advanced regression models such as Lasso, support vector machines, and random forest. The bioreactor is operated using synthetic textile wastewater, with a primary focus on critical sludge parameters. A total of 60 datasets were compiled for training and testing of the models. The random forest model attained an R2 of 0.95 and 0.86 and root mean square error values of 1.75 kPa and 3.3 kPa for the training and test datasets, respectively, demonstrating the best predictive accuracy. Extra polymeric substances were the most influential parameter, while particle size distribution was the least. The random forest and lasso regression models predicted high values more accurately, while the support vector regression model was inclined towards making more conservative predictions for extreme values. The effectiveness of the proposed models showcases the significance of utilizing machine learning in advancing MBR technology for wastewater treatment. Accurate TMP predictions through machine learning can help in maintaining key parameters within optimal ranges, thereby reducing the likelihood of membrane fouling and enhancing system efficiency.

 

Keywords

Machine learning models Transmembrane pressure Textile wastewater treatment Extra polymeric substances Membrane bioreactor

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