Status of desalination research and technology in the middle east

Abstract

The need for water in the Middle East has been a challenging problem for industrial development and expansion. The great abundance of high salinity and brackish water resources, the vast population growth and the increasing need for food in the area have enhanced the development of several desalting projects and have initiated long-term plans for irrigation of arid land. The interest in producing fresh water from the sea using different energy sources in the Middle East dates back to a few decades. Currently there is a trend to actively participate in the progress and development of desalination science and technology utilizing available manpower and other resources in research projects, in experiments, and in the construction of prototype plants to examine the feasibility of novel processes especially those suitable for agriculture water production. Present plans involve enhancement of the transfer of technology and the establishment of centers of research and development and international cooperative project to serve local and global interest. Recent developments and the state-of-the-art of the different aspects of desalination research and technology in the Middle East are reviewed including a discussion of current experimental and theoretical activities. Practice in plant operation and the generated experience are assessed. The highlights of future plans are presented.