Al-Miyah Solutions, a KAUST spin-off, has installed a decentralized wastewater treatment unit in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. The mobile, modular technology converts wastewater into reusable water for areas lacking centralized sewer access, addressing a need for 40% of Saudi households. The technology, developed at KAUST's Water Desalination and Reuse Center, uses aerobic granular sludge and gravity-driven membrane filtration. Why it matters: This deployment offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment and reuse in remote areas of the Kingdom, reducing reliance on costly centralized systems.
Al-Maha Systems, a startup founded by KAUST students, has developed an IoT system for livestock health tracking. The system uses sensors attached to cows to monitor vital data like heart rate and body temperature, transmitting it to a cloud server. The goal is to detect health problems early and optimize breeding times for dairy farms. Why it matters: This innovation can improve efficiency and productivity in Saudi Arabia's dairy industry by leveraging IoT for animal husbandry.
QualSens, a KAUST startup, is developing a smart sensor for monitoring and enhancing process control in water desalination systems. The sensor uses fluorescent enzymatic sensing to detect bacterial activity and fouling at an early stage. The system alerts operators to start cleaning the system based on the sensor feedbacks, helping to decrease energy demand for drinking water production. Why it matters: This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of desalination, a critical process for water security in the Middle East.
KAUST researchers are developing innovative solutions for water treatment and desalination in Saudi Arabia. A pilot anaerobic membrane bioreactor in Jeddah treats 50,000 liters of wastewater daily at zero energy cost, producing water suitable for reuse and liquid fertilizer. Another KAUST team focuses on advancing desalination technologies by integrating renewable energy and reducing energy consumption and brine discharge. Why it matters: These advancements can significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia's water security and sustainability goals by reducing reliance on non-renewable groundwater and fossil fuels for desalination.
KAUST researchers are developing new solar desalination methods to increase efficiency and minimize heat losses, building on techniques dating back to Arab alchemists. KAUST Associate Professor Peng Wang and his team at the Water Desalination and Reuse Center are developing an innovative system that more efficiently vaporizes water using interfacial heating. The design uses a photothermal material to capture the entire spectrum of sunlight and convert it into heat with nearly 100% efficiency. Why it matters: This research could provide more sustainable and efficient methods for producing fresh water in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST and MEWA's Aquaculture Development Program (ADP) showcased achievements at the 6th International Saudi Aquaculture Development Workshop. New fish nutrition formulations developed by KAUST Beacon Development (KBD) could save Saudi Arabia $417 million per year in aquaculture production costs by 2030 through improved feed conversion ratios. KBD has also established complete production cycles for Sobaity and Gilthead seabream under Red Sea conditions. Why it matters: These advancements boost Saudi Arabia's food security and promote sustainable aquaculture, reducing reliance on imports and diversifying the economy in line with Vision 2030.
Kamal Mousa Al-Jahni, a Saudi Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida, is researching natural water springs in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman, leveraging facilities at the KAUST Analytical Chemistry Core Lab (ACL). Al-Jahni is expanding on his master's research, collaborating with King Saud University and utilizing KAUST's specialized testing facilities and expert staff. He aims to improve sample collection and utilize advanced lab equipment. Why it matters: This research contributes to a better understanding of water resources in the Arabian Peninsula and demonstrates KAUST's role in supporting environmental research and training Saudi researchers.
KAUST Associate Professor Peiying Hong has developed a wastewater treatment method using anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) technology, which converts organic carbon into methane. In partnership with MODON, a pilot program is operational in Jeddah, treating 23,000 liters of wastewater daily using UV light and hydrogen peroxide for disinfection. This system produces clean water suitable for agriculture and biomass for fertilizer, with a smaller footprint and lower energy consumption than traditional aerobic methods. Why it matters: The AnMBR technology aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's water reuse objectives, reducing reliance on energy-intensive desalination and offering a sustainable solution for water-stressed regions.