Last week at the IDA World Congress UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission introduced the world’s first guide to harmful algal blooms.[1]
The guide was produced by the commission and the Middle East Desalination Research Centre and it was written with help from 63 world specialists. Consisting of nearly a dozen chapters, key topics include the fundamental features of algal blooms; case studies with practical information for plant designers and operators; monitoring approaches such as remote sensing imagery that reveals the spatial extent and transport of blooms; methods to measure algal organic matter; pretreatment methods for desalination plants challenged by harmful blooms; and risk assessment frameworks in line with World Health Organization recommendations.[2]
During the congress Toray Membrane USA demonstrated its new high-performance membrane bioreactor module. The technology, which features “thin membrane flat sheets packed densely into interchangeable cassettes” enables a higher packing density than was previously thought possible for flat plate designs.[3] The flexibility of the membranes allows for greater movement, improving the cleaning process and saving energy.[4]
U.S.A. – Last week California’s State Lands Commission granted a lease for a large-scale desalination plant in Huntington Beach.[5] Just a day before, a lease hearing for the project had attracted a large crowd of both supporters and opponents for the project. Amongst those supporting the plant was the former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and officials from the cities of Orange and Westminister. Representatives from more than a dozen environmental organizations opposed the move, citing concerns for marine life, surrounding neighborhoods, and water conservation efforts.[6]
The hearing was the first of three key regulatory agency reviews scheduled for the coming months. In the spring the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California Coastal Commission will examine the project.[7]
Credit: Desalination.biz
KUWAIT – The Japanese chemicals company Asahi Kasei has been selected to provide pre-treatment membranes for the Doha Phase 1 desalination facility.[8] The deal represents the largest order for water-filtration membranes that the company has provided to date.
Located near Kuwait City, the project is being developed by Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water.[9]
[1] “First Guide to Harmful Algal Blooms Launches at IDA World Congress 2017,” Desalination.biz, October 15, 2017, <https://www.desalination.biz/news/0/First-guide-to-harmful-algal-blooms-launches-at-IDA-World-Congress-2017/8874/> accessed October 20, 2017.
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Toray Introduces New High Performance MBR Module,” Desalination.biz, October 15, 2017, <https://www.desalination.biz/news/0/Toray-introduces-new-high-performance-MBR-module/8873/> accessed October 20, 2017.
[4] Ibid. According to Sean Carter, the company’s product manager for the MBR series, the new module has a “50 percent increased capacity at the same footprint and lower total air scour requirement” compared to the company’s earlier flat panel MBR module.
[5] “Proposed Huntington Beach Desalination Plant Passes Key Test,” NBC Los Angeles, October 21, 2017, <https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Proposed-Huntington-Beach-desalination-plant-passes-key-test-452151563.html> accessed October 21, 2017.
[6] Lauren Williams, “Poseidon Desalination Plant Clears Hurdle, Sparks Outcry,” OC Register, October 19, 2017, http://www.ocregister.com/2017/10/19/fight-over-poseidon-desalination-plant-could-get-personal-today/> accessed October 20, 2017.
[7] Ibid.
[8] “Japanese Firm Wins Supply Contract for Kuwaiti Desalination Plant,” ConstructionWeekOnline.com, October 19, 2017, <http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-46804-japanese-firm-wins-supply-contract-for-kuwaiti-desalination-plant/> accessed October 22, 2017.
[9] Ibid.