the peninsula — DOHA
Qatar University recently organised the Qatar-German Water Sustainability Day (QGWSD 2023). Desalination is the primary water source in Qatar, followed by fresh groundwater extraction and reuse of treated wastewater.
Most of the water produced in Qatar is oriented for agricultural and domestic purposes. Although desalination is one of the most popular processes for dealing with an increasing demand for high-quality water, it has many negative effects.
The water extracted from the inland wells is becoming increasingly saline due to overuse, over-pumping, declining groundwater levels, and subsequent seawater intrusion.
Moreover, desalination is an energy-intensive process with high energy requirements and highly associated CO2 emissions in the case of conventional energy supply. QGWSD focused on desalination integrated with renewable energy and solar energy, brine management and industrial water treatment was also discussed.
QGWSD 2023 is organised by the Centre for Sustainable Development under QU’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Unesco Chair in Desalination and Water Treatment and HighRec project.
The opening of QGWSD 2023 was held in the presence of Prof. Ahmed Elzatahry, Dean of QU’s College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Khalifa Al Hazaa, Associate Dean for Sciences and Applied Sciences, CAS attended the opening of the event. Prof. Sami Sayadi, Director of QU’s Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD), gave the introduction speech.
The event showcases the effective collaboration between the Centre for Sustainable Development and the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences to help the Unesco Chair collect different experiences and present them to the community, thereby supporting the decision-making process.
This event is in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasises the need for sustainable social and economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations in the country.
