Masdar Institute revealing desalination nanotechnology progress and more at World Water Forum

ABU DHABI, 13th April, 2015 (WAM) -- The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, yesterday announced it will present innovative water and desalination technologies at the World Water Forum 2015 in South Korea. The 7th World Water Forum is set to serve as a crucial platform to explore conclusive outcomes for tackling emerging challenges in water security. Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of the Masdar Institute, said, "Water is a shared resource and water security is a shared challenge. That is why water has been one of Masdar Institute’s key focus areas since inception, with diverse research looking to address challenges in desalination, water treatment, preservation and monitoring. Through Masdar Institute’s participation in the World Water Forum in South Korea, we hope to advance the dialogue and collaborations that are working to solve the many challenges related to water." Researchers at Masdar Institute have succeeded in developing a new water desalination membrane that can be cleaned more efficiently using nanotechnology. The membrane is coated with carbon nanostructures so that it can be cleaned without stopping operations through the application of a low voltage charge that generates gases at the membrane surface to clear unwanted surface deposits. Another research project using nanotechnology in the water arena is led by a Masdar Institute student. It uses carbon nanotubes and graphene as part of a lower power capacitive deionisation system to produce clean water. The two technologies are expected to have far-reaching implications in preserving water, a resource of strategic importance to the UAE. Two faculty members and two students from Masdar Institute will highlight the latest research in water technology and modelling of climate variability and change in the UAE e at the forum. Dr. Taha B.M.J. Ouarda, Professor and Head of the Institute Centre for Water and Environment (iWater), and Dr. Hassan Arafat, Associate Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering, will be joined at the forum by students Safa Al Sadi and Faisal Al-Marzooqi. Dr Ouarda will deliver a presentation entitled, "Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change for a Sustainable Management of Water Resource – UAE Experience," which will be followed by a Q&A session. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395279162495.html