WSTA 15th Gulf Water Conference

WSTA 15th Gulf Water Conference
  • New

Towards a novel wastewater treatment process: a submerged membrane electro-bioreactor (SMEBR)-simultaneous biodegradation, electrocoagulation and membrane filtration


Khalid Bani-Melhem1*, Maria Elektorowicz2


(2025) 286–294 https://doi.org/10.5004/700062

pdf_ico.png Abstract

The limited freshwater resources make the need for wastewater treatment and reuse a mandatory option in many countries around the world specifically in arid and semi-arid regions like the Arab Gulf area due to severe water scarcity. Therefore, focusing on advanced wastewater treatment methods has become a hot issue in recent years. Membrane processes belong to this group and attract a high degree of attention from researchers in different academic institutions. In the last few decades, membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology, specifically the submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) which integrates membrane filtration with an activated sludge process (ASP) has exhibited promise as a very attractive method for various kinds of wastewater treatment. The SMBR has many advantages in comparison with ASP such as superior effluent quality, higher mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and organic pollutant loading, independent control of hydraulic retention time (HRT), and sludge retention time (SRT). However, the phenomenon of membrane fouling is still considered one of the main obstacles to SMBR technology. Many methods have been developed and investigated to overcome this serious problem. Among the different proposed approaches, using the electrochemical methods by applying a direct current (DC) field on the activated sludge has been shown as a promising and novel approach. One of the early developed electrochemical methods with SMBR is called Submerged Membrane Electro- Bioreactor (SMEBR). The SMEBR integrates three processes in one reactor unit: biological treatment, membrane filtration, and electrocoagulation. The method was developed at Concordia University, Montreal-Canada in 2008 and later registered as a patent in the USA in 2010. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the conducted studies on SMEBR and its application in wastewater treatment and the potential of reducing the membrane fouling phenomenon. The paper summarizes the advantages of SMEBR in comparison with other treatment technologies and highlights the last findings of SMEBR. Keywords: Submerged; Membrane fouling; Electro-bioreactor; Activated sludge; Wastewater

$45.00

pdf_ico.png References

Product Details
16 other entries in the same category:
New Quick view

Evaluating the hydraulic feasibility of brackish groundwater supply for small-scale reverse osmosis plants in community centers in Kuwait

Amjad Aliewi*, Harish Bhandary

(2025) 153–162 https://doi.org/10.5004/700033

Abstract The efficient operation of small reverse osmosis units in community centers in Kuwait necessitates a minimal supply of brackish groundwater with suitable water quality standards. Specific requirements were established for a public center in Al-Salmeyeh, Kuwait, demanding a brackish groundwater supply of 250 m3/h with suitable quality parameters...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Solar-driven desalination in Saudi Arabia for a sustainable future

Raid Alrowais1*, D. Ybyraiymkul2, M. Kum Ja2, Kim Choon Ng2

(2025) 30–34 https://doi.org/10.5004/700057

Abstract All primary (fossil) energy sources available on planet Earth emanate from the Sun, namely its photosphere (at 5700 K) where useful solar irradiance is acquired either directly or indirectly on a receiver surface. The maximum potential of a solar receiver is gauged by either direct normal (DNI) or global (HGI) irradiance. The literature has...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Groundwater aquifers susceptibility index of waterborne diseases outbreaks (ASIWD) in Nile Delta, Egypt


Osama M. Sallama, Karim Solimanb


(2025) 107–118 https://doi.org/10.5004/700029

AbstractThe Corona pandemic and its significant economic and social effects, as well as the large spread of parasites, motivated us to conduct this research to develop a map of the sensitivity of groundwater pollution to waterborne pathogens. This study aims to create an index for evaluating groundwater aquifers’ susceptibility to waterborne diseases...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Mainstreaming the outcome of the UN summit on groundwater in the Arab strategy for water security

Bisher Imam

(2025) 84 https://doi.org/10.5004/700106

AbstractThe United Nations Summit on Groundwater was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, from 6 to 8 December 2022. This summit was the conclusion of a year in which the focus was on groundwater (the hidden resource). In parallel, with the summit, the United Nations Commission on Water also held an expanded meeting that resulted in the issuance...
Abstract
Price
In stock
New Quick view

Towards sustainable water management: leveraging soil moisture sensors for smart irrigation in the GCC

Hassan Ali1*, Rachid Benlamri1, Aitazaz A. Farooque2,3, Farhat Abbas1, Raziq Yaqub4

(2025) 263–271 https://doi.org/10.5004/700090

Abstract Efficient water management in agriculture is paramount in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Soil moisture sensors-based irrigation scheduling has emerged as a crucial tool for optimizing irrigation practices, conserving water resources, and improving crop yields. This paper delves into the...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for wastewater treatment


Amal S. Al Rahbi*, Sharifa Al Awaid, Huda Al Amri, Rehab Al Syiabi, Hafsa Al Dowiki


(2025) 324–331 https://doi.org/10.5004/700023

AbstractThis study focuses on the use of a green synthetic strategy to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using Albizia lebbeck pods extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Farmers' attitude regarding the use of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation, the case of Saudi Arabia


Mohammed A. Alomair1, Ammar M. Ebrahim2*, Randah M.Alqurashi2, Salah M. Sidahmed1, Mohamed M. El-Kafrawy1–3*, Fathi A. Alnajime1, Siddig H. Hamad2, Rady Tawfik2, Khalid G. Turk2, Abdulrahman S. Alablan1, Emad Al-Karablieh4


(2025) 295–307 https://doi.org/10.5004/700041

AbstractReuse of treated wastewater could provide a key solution to address sustainable water resources management in agriculture. However, the success of this practice depends on farmers’ acceptance and involvement, which require careful assessment and evaluation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the farmers’ perception about the treated...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Artificial intelligence application in hydrogeology and groundwater management

Khalid ElHaj, Dalal Alshamsi

83–81 (2025) doi: 10.5004/.700105

AbstractGroundwater management involves overseeing groundwater resources to ensure their ideal utilization and long-term sustainability. More than two billions of the world population depend on groundwater resources as their main water source, as a result, managing such an important resources would be of paramount importance to governments. This would be...
Abstract
Price
In stock
New Quick view

Atmospheric water generation in Qatar: a sustainable approach for extracting water from air powered by solar energy

Aiyad Gannan

(2025) 141–145 https://doi.org/10.5004/700031

Abstract In alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainable energy and a clean environment, this study is being carried out to review and investigate several sustainable water harvesting techniques from atmospheric humidity, fog, and dew. This investigation will show how well different fog/dew collectors function in collecting...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Treated wastewater application in urban agriculture

Ahmed Al-Busaidi1*, Mushtaque Ahmed1, Wenresti Gallardo2, Waad Al-Aghbari1

(2025) 251–262 https://doi.org/10.5004/700007

Abstract Waste management is one of the most crucial challenges for the governments to control the worst impacts in terms of public health, environmental resources (water and food) and climate change. Therefore, in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, water deficit countries need to look for innovative and sustainable production of...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Climate change and water scarcity: strategies for sustainable agricultural water use in the Arab Region

Kamel Mustafa Amer

(2025) 222–224 https://doi.org/10.5004/700107

Abstract Climate change represents a profound and ubiquitous challenge with particularly acute consequences in the Arab region. In this area, inhabitants confront escalating temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasingly frequent and intense meteorological phenomena. These alterations exacerbate the pre-existing critical issue of water...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

The role of the World Health Organization in drinking water, sanitation and hygiene and updated publications

Rola Al-Emam

(2025) 10–11 https://doi.org/10.5004/700097

Abstract Water scarcity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as climate change, population growth, urbanization, inefficient water management practices, and geopolitical tensions. This situation has significant implications for the irrigation sector in the MENA region, impacting...
Abstract
Price
In stock
New Quick view

Digitalization in water: key to security in the realm of cyber insecurity risk in the Arab region

Hammou Laamrani

(2025) 1-2 https://doi.org/10.5004/700094

Abstract Traditionally, environmental and water resources simulations (EWRS) have relied on physics-based analytical and numerical models. These models employ parameters that characterize the environmental systems, system state variables, and external forces as input into mathematical equations to predict future conditions of environmental systems and...
Abstract
Price
In stock
New Quick view

Development of flood risk mapping and mitigation strategies for Al-Qassim region

Atef Q. Kawara, Ibrahim H. Elsebaie

(2025) 133–140 https://doi.org/10.5004/700050

Abstract In this study, a research project aiming at producing a comprehensive map of flood risk in the Al-Qassim region is described. Flooding has become a pressing issue in this region, and this initiative aims to apply fundamental scientific principles to advance our understanding of flood risks, resulting in the development of innovative mitigation...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Utilizing machine learning for short-term water demand forecast

Waleed Eldamaty*, Mohammed Abdallah, Khalid Al Zaabi

(2025) 163–170 https://doi.org/10.5004/700012

Abstract As technology continues to evolve, it has a profound impact on various aspects of our lives, including our water consumption. This becomes crucial as the GCC region is experiencing rapid social and economic transformation, leading to an increase in water demands and creating a gap between water supply and demand. This gap can be addressed by...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock
New Quick view

Oxide activated carbon for seawater desalination using solar energy

Wafa A. Al Rawahi*, Amal S. Al Rahbi, Maryam S. Al Hashmi, Marwa Al Riyami, Hanadi Al Aameriya, Nada A. Al-Toubi, Riham A. Al-Nabhani

(2025) 40–46 https://doi.org/10.5004/700032

Abstract Desalination of seawater is an efficient process and a viable solution for water shortage problems. This process is consuming a large amount of energy. One of the latest possible solutions with less energy consumption is the use of activated carbon for the desalination process. Activated carbon can be produced using several materials including...
Abstract
Price $45.00
In stock