Qatar project to improve brine disposal

Chemical engineers at the University of Texas A&M at Qatar are leading a new $400,000 project with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) that will develop a new process for water desalination that yields zero liquid discharge. The new process, announced in June, would treat brine reject with lime and aluminum to yield solid waste that could be disposed of easily.

Dr Ahmed Abdel-Wahab will lead the research project, which is funded by an 18-month grant from QSTP’s proof-of-concept fund. “The zero liquid discharge process could be of tremendous benefit and alleviate the water supply challenges not only in Qatar, but in communities worldwide struggling with aquifer salinity,” Abdel-Wahab said.