SAUDI ARABIA – Researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology developed a new method to clean desalination membranes. The scientists developed a nontoxic removable coating that provides a safer and more efficient alternative to the chemicals used to clean reverse osmosis systems.
A challenge for reverse osmosis desalination is the development of biofilm resulting from the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms on the membrane surface. The method developed by the researchers utilizes a polyelectrolytic coating and avoids the need for toxic linkers to attach to the membrane. The coating can be safely flushed out of the system with brine and allows for two-fold higher flow of liquid compared to traditional methods, while leaving the membrane surface clear of biofilm. The scientist will now work on making the technology more efficient and durable at larger scales. (WaterWorld)
U.S.A. – The city of Antioch is one step closer to building a new brackish water desalination plant after the City Council unanimously approved $15 million in interim financing. Antioch is planning to build a plant that will treat and convert 22,712 m3/d of brackish water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to drinking water for the city’s residents and business.
The $70 million project includes the construction of a 4.3-mile-long brine disposal pipeline from the desalination facility to the Delta Diablo wastewater treatment plant. Earlier this month, the council approved a $370,000 contract with HB Consulting Moraga to manage the project, which is expected to take two years to complete. (The Mercury News)
A river pump station in Antioch, California. Credit :Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group
INDIA – The chief minister of Maharashtra has given the green light to a desalination project for Mumbai. The $219.6 million project will be set up on around 30 acres at Manori, Malad and is expected to be completed in four years. Once completed the plant will have a production capacity of 200,000 m3/d but can be expanded to 400,000 m3/d in the future. (Hindustan Times)