QU's Water Technology Unit Organizes Third Training Workshop on Membrane-Based Desalination Technologies

The Water Technology Unit at the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Desalination and Water Treatment at Qatar University (QU), organized an advanced training course on "Advances in Pretreatment Technologies for Desalination and Water Treatment." The event, held on 23 and 24 April 2024.

This advanced training course aimed to equip participants with cutting-edge skills and knowledge in desalination and water treatment technologies. The Qatar Electricity and Water Company (QEWC) and Kahramaa engineers and process operators attended the training course to enhance their capabilities.

The two-day training course featured a series of lectures delivered by renowned experts from CAM and the UNESCO Chair for Water Technology. It focused on the pretreatment technologies for RO desalination, membrane fouling, brine management, and lithium recovery from desalination brine. The participants enjoyed the training course, benefited from the expert lectures, and interacted with the experts.

Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, commented on the event's impact, stating, "This training course marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of QU to enhance water treatment capabilities and capacity building in this strategic area of desalination in Qatar. It sets a precedent for future collaborations and initiatives in the field of water treatment."

Prof. Mohammed Irshidat, Director of the CAM at QU, emphasized the pivotal role of this initiative in enhancing the competencies of the desalination industry workforce. He highlighted the Center's commitment to organizing such programs to facilitate knowledge acquisition and the adoption of innovative water treatment techniques, contributing to capacity building in the water desalination industry in the state of Qatar.

Additionally, Prof. Syed Zaidi, UNESCO Chair Professor and coordinator of the Water Technology Unit (WTU), underscored the dedication to pioneering solutions and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about water's importance, its optimal utilization, and efficient management. He reiterated the WTU's mission to promote water conservation and educate stakeholders on effective water management practices.

This training initiative exemplifies Qatar's unwavering commitment to addressing water-related challenges and promoting sustainable water management practices. By fostering academic-industry collaboration and continuous learning, the desalination industry seeks to bolster its capabilities in water treatment, thus contributing significantly to the nation's development and resilience in water resource management. By the end of the workshop, certificates were awarded to the participants of the training course for their participation and completion.