Sustainable Management of Desalination Brine: Best Practices, Pilot Studies, and Innovations

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The management of brine generated by desalination plants has become one of the key determinants of the environmental and economic sustainability of this technology, which is now strategic for global water security. The production of desalinated water has increased significantly over the past two decades, particularly in arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa, Australia, and certain coastal areas of Europe and North America. This growth has inevitably been accompanied by a proportional increase in brine volumes. Globally, desalination facilities are estimated to produce more than 140 million cubic meters of brine per day, exceeding the volume of freshwater produced due to limited recovery rates, particularly in seawater reverse osmosis systems [1].

seawater desalination brine accumulation

This brine typically exhibits salinity levels between 60 and 75 g/L, along with residual concentrations of chemical additives used during pretreatment and membrane cleaning. Without proper management, these discharges may cause localized density disturbances, increased water column stratification, impacts on benthic macrofauna, and shifts in biological communities [2].

Current best practices primarily rely on optimizing marine discharge systems. Modern approaches favor the use of submarine outfalls equipped with multiport diffusers to ensure rapid and controlled dilution of brine in the water column. Studies conducted in the western Mediterranean have shown that properly designed diffusers can reduce salinity anomalies to near-background levels within a few tens of meters from the discharge point, thereby limiting the spatial footprint of impacts [3].

The integration of three-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling during the design phase enables accurate prediction of saline plume dispersion based on currents, bathymetry, and seasonal thermal gradients. These tools are now considered essential requirements in environmental impact assessments associated with large-scale desalination projects [4].

At the same time, source reduction represents a crucial lever. Improvements in high-permeability reverse osmosis membranes and the widespread adoption of energy recovery devices have increased recovery rates while reducing specific energy consumption, which can now fall below 3 kWh/m³ in high-performance facilities [5]. Even a few percentage points increase in recovery directly translates into a significant reduction in brine volume. Pilot studies conducted in California have demonstrated that hybrid configurations combining reverse osmosis with secondary membrane stages can achieve high yields while controlling scaling phenomena through optimized antiscalant dosing and pH management [6].

Beyond discharge optimization, the most promising innovations concern liquid effluent minimization and brine component valorization. The concept of “zero liquid discharge” has been tested in several industrial contexts. In Australia, the Perth desalination plant has been the subject of exploratory studies on integrating advanced concentration processes and solar evaporation ponds to reduce discharge volumes, particularly in capacity expansion scenarios [7]. These approaches combine reverse osmosis with additional thermal or membrane processes such as membrane distillation or reverse electrodialysis to further concentrate salts and recover additional water.

In Europe, the collaborative project “ZERO BRINE,” funded under the Horizon 2020 program, demonstrated at pilot scale the feasibility of selectively recovering salts and minerals from industrial saline effluents and concentrated brines [8]. By combining nanofiltration, electrodialysis, and fractional crystallization, researchers successfully produced industrial-grade sodium chloride, magnesium, and other valuable compounds. These results confirm that brine can be regarded as a secondary resource within a circular economy framework, simultaneously reducing environmental burdens and generating potential revenue streams.

Research conducted in China within pilot projects on seawater desalination brine valorization has explored lithium, magnesium, and boron recovery through combined selective precipitation and membrane extraction processes [9]. Some experimental coastal facilities have demonstrated the technical feasibility of extracting strategically valuable elements from saline concentrates, particularly in the context of growing lithium demand for batteries. Although concentrations remain lower than in natural continental brines, these studies show that process optimization can enhance economic viability and contribute to mineral supply diversification.

Integrated aquaculture represents another innovative pathway. Pilot projects in Australia and Asia have investigated the controlled use of diluted brines for cultivating halotolerant microalgae, with prospects for producing biomass for animal feed or energy valorization [10]. While these systems require strict chemical parameter control to prevent residual toxicity, they illustrate the potential synergies between desalination and the marine bioeconomy.

Energy integration is a key success factor for advanced brine management strategies. Additional concentration processes can be energy-intensive unless coupled with renewable energy sources or waste heat recovery systems. Recent research has shown that combining membrane distillation with industrial waste heat or solar thermal sources can improve overall system efficiency while reducing carbon footprints [11]. Integrating desalination into multi-purpose industrial platforms also promotes shared discharge infrastructure and monitoring systems.

brine production from desalination plant

Environmental monitoring constitutes an essential component of best practices. Advances in continuous sensing technologies and predictive modeling now enable real-time tracking of physicochemical parameters around outfalls. Long-term studies in the Mediterranean have demonstrated that adaptive monitoring allows discharge rate adjustments and prevents localized salinity accumulation, thereby reducing risks to sensitive seagrass meadows [12]. The use of big data analytics and artificial intelligence algorithms opens new perspectives for dynamic operational optimization.

Despite these advances, several challenges remain. Valorization technologies must still demonstrate large-scale economic viability, particularly in contexts where mineral prices fluctuate. Initial investments for advanced concentration systems can be substantial, and their adoption strongly depends on regulatory frameworks and economic incentives. Nevertheless, global trends increasingly favor the integration of circular economy principles into the desalination sector. Recognizing brine as a valuable resource stream, combined with technological innovation and rigorous environmental planning, represents a major paradigm shift.

Conclusion

Sustainable brine management requires a comprehensive approach combining discharge optimization, source reduction, mineral recovery, energy integration, and advanced environmental monitoring. Pilot studies conducted in Europe, Australia, and North America demonstrate the technical feasibility of innovative solutions, even though their widespread deployment requires economic and institutional adjustments. As desalination becomes a structural pillar of global water security, brine management emerges as a key indicator of environmental performance and a strategic field of innovation for the decades ahead.

References

[1] Jones, E., Qadir, M., van Vliet, M.T.H., Smakhtin, V., Kang, S.M., 2019. The state of desalination and brine production: A global outlook. Sci. Total Environ. 657, 1343–1356.

[2] Roberts, D.A., Johnston, E.L., Knott, N.A., 2010. Impacts of desalination plant discharges on the marine environment: A critical review. Water Res. 44, 5117–5128.

[3] Fernández-Torquemada, Y., Sánchez-Lizaso, J.L., 2007. Effects of salinity on leaf growth and survival of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 350, 120–129.

[4] Lattemann, S., Höpner, T., 2008. Environmental impact and impact assessment of seawater desalination. Desalination 220, 1–15.

[5] Elimelech, M., Phillip, W.A., 2011. The future of seawater desalination: Energy, technology, and the environment. Science 333, 712–717.

[6] Greenlee, L.F., Lawler, D.F., Freeman, B.D., Marrot, B., Moulin, P., 2009. Reverse osmosis desalination: Water sources, technology, and today’s challenges. Water Res. 43, 2317–2348.

[7] Barron, O.V., et al., 2015. Brine disposal from seawater desalination: Australian case studies and environmental implications. Desalin. Water Treat. 57, 1–12.

[8] ZERO BRINE Consortium, 2020. Circular economy solutions for saline wastewater streams. Desalination 479, 114313.

[9] Oren, Y., 2010. Capacitive deionization (CDI) for desalination and water treatment—past, present and future. Desalination 228, 10–29.

[10] Neori, A., 2008. Essential role of seaweed cultivation in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture farms for global expansion of mariculture. J. Appl. Phycol. 20, 567–570.

[11] Khayet, M., Matsuura, T., 2011. Membrane distillation: Principles and applications. Desalination 287, 2–18.

[12] Ruiz, J.M., Romero, J., Pérez, M., 2001. Effects of fish farm loadings on seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) distribution, growth and photosynthesis. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 42, 749–760.

6 Top Green Ways for Tidying Your Home

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Home cleaning is a routine that you should perform regularly so that you can always live in a comfortable environment. However, some methods used for cleaning homes can negatively impact the environment in different ways. To prevent this, you can consider green cleaning methods. As such, you can double-check the 6 green ways for tidying your home below:

1. DIY cleaning products

Homemade cleaning products with natural ingredients such as lemon juice, white vinegar, baking soda, and olive oil are perfect for cleaning your home since they do not negatively impact the environment. These products are safe, and you can also use them for various purposes like cleaning the kitchen, the windows, as well as the bathroom.

If you want to get rid of insects and other unsightly creatures, you can also consider green methods to do so. Seattle, for example, is a beautiful city consisting of a warm and oceanic climate and relatively dry summers. Insects and other substances like molds can thrive in this climate, so you need to find green methods of eliminating them. Other treatment methods consist of chemicals that can be hazardous to the environment, to pets, as well as to humans, so you must always prioritize safety.

2. Avoid cleaners that contribute to pollution

The other option of home green cleaning is to consider cleaners that do not cause air pollution. For example, instead of vacuuming your floors, you can sweep manually using a broom. This can be time-consuming, but it is much better for the environment.

3. Use water for cleaning

You can also consider using clean water only especially when cleaning ceramic floor tiles. If there are no dirt stains on the tiles, you can simply mop them using clean water and avoid detergents with chemicals and other artificial components.

4. Use soda to clean carpets

When your carpet is dirty, it can be unsightly, and it can also produce a bad smell. You can use baking soda to clean the carpet, which is great because it is free of toxic chemicals. Soda can also freshen your carpet.

Also Read – Rug Cleaning Sector: A Venue for Innovative Business Practices

5. Use boiling water for cleaning

When cleaning surfaces with oil residues like kitchen tables and sinks, you can use boiling water since it can melt the dirt so that you can easily wipe it with a clean cloth. Using boiling water can also help unclog the drainage system in the kitchen instead of using chemicals that can be toxic and cause a negative impact on the environment.

indoor-air-quality-arab

6. Clean indoor air naturally

You can clean the indoor air naturally by opening the windows as much as possible. This option is safe instead of using artificial air fresheners with fragrances that can affect the environment. However, you should first check if there is no strong wind that can blow dust particles inside.

Conclusion

Environmental concerns are increasingly gaining recognition across the board, so you must also play your part. You can do this by adopting green methods for tidying your home. These methods are clean and are very environmentally-friendly.

Biomass Potential of Date Palm Wastes

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Date palm is one of the principal agricultural products in the arid and semi-arid region of the world, especially Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. There are more than 120 million date palm trees worldwide yielding several million tons of dates per year, apart from secondary products including palm midribs, leaves, stems, fronds and coir. The Arab world has more than 84 million date palm trees with the majority in Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and United Arab Emirates.

date-palm-waste-management

Egypt is the world’s largest date producer with annual production of 1.47 million tons of dates in 2012 which accounted for almost one-fifth of global production. Saudi Arabia has more than 23 millions date palm trees, which produce about 1 million tons of dates per year. Date palm trees produce huge amount of agricultural wastes in the form of dry leaves, stems, pits, seeds etc.

A typical date tree can generate as much as 20 kilograms of dry leaves per annum while date pits account for almost 10 percent of date fruits. Some studies have reported that Saudi Arabia alone generates more than 200,000 tons of date palm biomass each year.

Date palm is considered a renewable natural resource because it can be replaced in a relatively short period of time. It takes 4 to 8 years for date palms to bear fruit after planting, and 7 to 10 years to produce viable yields for commercial harvest. Usually date palm wastes are burned in farms or disposed in landfills which cause environmental pollution in date-producing nations. In countries like Iraq and Egypt, a small portion of palm biomass in used in making animal feed.

date-palm-biomass

The major constituents of date palm biomass are cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. In addition, date palm has high volatile solids content and low moisture content. These factors make date palm biomass an excellent waste-to-energy resource in the MENA region. A wide range of thermal and biochemical technologies exists to convert the energy stored in date palm biomass to useful forms of energy. The low moisture content in date palm wastes makes it well-suited to thermo-chemical conversion technologies like combustion, gasification and pyrolysis.

On the other hand, the high volatile solids content in date palm biomass indicates its excellent biogas  potential in anaerobic digestion plants, possibly by codigestion with sewage sludge, animal wastes and/and food wastes. The cellulosic content in date palm wastes can be transformed into biofuel (bioethanol) by making use of the fermentation process. Thus, abundance of date palm trees in the GCC, especially Saudi Arabia, can catalyze the development of biomass and biofuels sector in the region.

Ramadan: A Time to Respond to the Earth’s State of Emergency

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This week marks the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan, a month which has been identified as a time to gain taqwa – God-consciousness. This month invites Muslims to attain nearness to Allah (SWT).

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ١٨٣

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain taqwa, Qu’ran, 2:183

Ramadan and climate change crisis

However, Ramadan is more than the individual forms of worship. Ramadan embodies a sense of community. A time of gathering in the mosque; of sharing meals; of engaging in acts of kindness, compassion and empathy towards the creation of Allah (SWT). Ramadan is a time to embody acts that uphold the sacred trust and responsibility of khalifah towards the Earth. To consciously honour and uphold the dignity of every creation of this Earth, which Allah (SWT) has created.

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَـٰٓئِفَ ٱلْأَرْضِ

And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth, Qur’an, 6:165

This week also, simultaneously marks the release of the new UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which indicates that humanity has reached “a critical moment in history,” as per IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee.  As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has put it, the report presents an Acceleration Agenda and is a massive call to action by every nation and sector to act with a sense of immediacy and urgency, a moment for humanity to join efforts, and be part of the solution.

environmental-quotes

For Muslims, as we step into the blessed days of Ramadan, this report should be a call for us to pay special attention towards the Earth, and divine creation of Allah (SWT). How can we focus on attaining nearness to Allah (SWT), and ignore the suffering and damage that is happening to His Creation? Islam provides Muslims with a very unique framework for connecting with and upholding the well-being of the Earth. One that is connected to a divine connection to Allah (SWT).

Within the Qur’an itself, Allah (SWT) has explained that all of creation is united in a single bond of worship and glorification of the Lord.

تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبْعُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًۭا ٤٤

The seven heavens, the earth, and all those in them glorify Him. There is not a single thing that does not glorify His praises—but you ˹simply˺ cannot comprehend their glorification. He is indeed Most Forbearing, All-Forgiving., Qur’an, 17:44 

The loss of species, the damage to the Earth is in fact a damage to the very entities that are engaged in worship and glorification of The Creator.  We have to question, how do our actions become accomplices in the destruction of this sacred Earth?  In the words of Guterres, “We have never been better equipped to solve the climate challenge, but we must move into warp speed climate action now.  We don’t have a moment to lose.”  So the question to ourselves as an ummah is, how did we react when this news reached us?  How did Ramadan transform us inwardly, and how did we manifest this outwardly through our actions on this Earth?

Quran and environmental conservation

Amidst the reality of the rapidly degrading state of the Earth through the climate change crisis, Muslims have also been equipped with a framework that enables us to act with a balance of hope and meaningful action, rather than despair of loss.

As found in the hadith:

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

“If the Final Hour comes while you have a shoot of a plant in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.”

For a Muslim, there is a sense of finding hope and grounding oneself in knowing that Allah (SWT) has knowledge over all things and is the Protector of all.  Thus, acting with calm consistency and recognizing one’s individual responsibility to simply act without attachment to the outcome is the very act of building hope for a Muslim.

May this Ramadan be a time of attaining nearness to Allah (SWT) and meaningful action which embodies a commitment towards responding to the critical state of the Earth, InshaAllah.

Everything You Need to Know About Recycling of Plastics

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Disposal of plastic waste has emerged as an important environmental challenge in the Middle East where plastics make up as much as one-tenth of the solid waste stream. In affluent GCC nations, plastic waste composition in municipal solid waste is around 12 – 16 percent. Plastic waste in the region is continuously increasing due to increasing use of plastics in daily life. The Middle East is responsible for about 8 percent of the global plastic production.

menace of plastic water bottles

 

Plastic waste is a source of greenhouse gas emissions and ecological damage. Majority of the items found on beaches across the region contain plastic which pose a serious danger to marine life. Plastic waste disposal is a major challenge due to non-biodegradable nature of plastics and such wastes are visibly present in landfill sites for a long time.

Recycling of Plastics

Recycling of plastics is one of the best methods for sustainable disposal of plastic wastes. Unfortunately, plastic is much more difficult to recycle than materials like glass, aluminum or paper. A common problem with recycling plastics is that plastics are often made up of more than one kind of polymer or there may be some sort of fibre added to the plastic (a composite).

plastic recycling machine

Plastic polymers require greater processing to be recycled as each type melts at different temperatures and has different properties, so careful separation is necessary. Moreover, most plastics are not highly compatible with one another. Apart from familiar applications like recycling bottles and industrial packaging film, there are also new developments like covering pipes, window frames, roofing membranes and flooring.

Commonly Recyclable Plastics

  • High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) used in piping, automotive fuel tanks, bottles, toys,
  • Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) used in plastic bags, cling film, flexible containers;
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) used in bottles, carpets and food packaging;
  • Polypropylene (PP) used in food containers, battery cases, bottle crates, automotive parts and fibres;
  • Polystyrene (PS) used in dairy product containers, tape cassettes, cups and plates;
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) used in window frames, flooring, bottles, packaging film, cable insulation, credit cards and medical products

Five Steps in Plastics Recycling

  • Collection: This is done through roadside collections, special recycling bins and directly from industries that use a lot of plastic.
  • Sorting: At this stage nails and stones are removed, and the plastic is sorted into three types: PET, HDPE and ‘other’.
  • Chipping: The sorted plastic is cut into small pieces ready to be melted down.
  • Washing: This stage removes contaminants such as paper labels, dirt and remnants of the product originally contained in the plastic.
  • Pelletization: The plastic is then melted down and extruded into small pellets ready for reuse.

Polyethlene terephthalate (PET) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles have high recyclability and are an integral part of most curbside and drop-off recycling programs. Recycled PET and HDPE have many uses and well-established markets. The growth of bottle recycling has been facilitated by the development of processing technologies that increase product purities and reduce operational costs.

In contrast, recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bottles and other materials is limited. A major problem in the recycling of PVC is the high chlorine content in raw PVC (around 56 percent of the polymer’s weight) and the high levels of hazardous additives added to the polymer to achieve the desired material quality. As a result, PVC requires separation from other plastics before mechanical recycling.

plastic recycling process

Plastic Recycling in the Middle East

Plastic recycling is still in early stages in the Middle East. Some countries have started plastic waste collection programs but their efficacy is yet to be ascertained as most of the collected waste is still sent to countries, like China and India, for recycling. In recent years, several government initiatives have been launched and plastic recycling centers have been established in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar etc. which is a welcome development.

Apart from infrastructural roadblocks, lack of awareness and low level of community participation are major factors behind increasing generation of plastic wastes. The staggering amount of plastic wastes generated in the Middle East demands a concerted effort from policy-makers and urban planners to devise an effective plastic waste collection and recycling strategy to tackle the menace of plastic wastes.

4 Quick Ways to Reduce E-Waste in Your Small Business

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The issue of e-waste is one we all need to face up to, and small businesses are in a position to do more to help the environment and also reduce costs in this context. If you’re looking for a fresh approach to minimizing e-waste in a flash, here are some tips to consider following in your own small business.

how to reduce e-waste in small businesses

1. Donate Old Equipment

If you own a small business, chances are there’s an abundance of unused tech lying around. Don’t let these items go to waste – donate them instead.

You can give away any gently used equipment like desktop computers, laptops, tables and much more to local good causes, whether that’s schools in your community that need it, youth projects or anything else.

This way not only will you reduce e-waste, but also help out people who may be struggling financially. So long as what you donate is still in good working order, you’ll avoid shipping perfectly serviceable items further afield for recycling or straight-up dumping.

2. Revamp Old Computers With Free, Open Source Software

Putting old computers to work in a different capacity within the organization, rather than shelling out for new hardware, is another wise move.

For instance, by installing a free, open source, lightweight operating system like Linux, you can extend the lifespan of older laptops or desktops, rather than sending them to the scrap heap as soon as the latest Windows update starts to hamper their performance. Not only will this reduce e-waste, but it’ll also save money in the long run.

Also, if your business still relies on outdated first-party programs like Microsoft Office, consider switching to free alternatives like LibreOffice, which offer all the same features for zero cost. You could go the subscription route, of course, but that’s a choice you have to make based on your budget and your needs. You can also explore Invoice Template for Microsoft Excel to reduce paper wastage due to invoicing-related tasks.

3. Use Call Forwarding to Avoid Buying New Phone Handsets for Employees

With the help of an auto attendant phone system, you can set up a call forwarding so that customers and clients can get in touch with team members wherever they might be.

The latest call forwarding tech means that there’s no need to splash out on new handsets for every employee; instead, calls placed to your business number or to their extension can be automatically routed through to whatever end point makes the most sense. This could be their own mobile handset, another landline off-site, or anything else.

This will also allow you to use the same handset with multiple extensions and even transfer calls between employees if needed.

By taking this approach, you’ll cut down on e-waste while still providing efficient customer service. Plus, it’s much cheaper than investing in expensive hardware that could quickly become outdated or obsolete. And best of all, you can be sure that your customers won’t notice any difference when making calls.

4. Recycle E-Waste Properly and Safely

At some point you’ll need to deal with e-waste that’s no longer viable for in-house operations or for donating externally. When the time comes, recycling is the best option for small businesses.

Ewaste Management for Small Businesses

By taking the time to properly recycle old electronics, you can prevent them from ending up in landfill or being illegally dumped overseas.

To get started, research local waste disposal companies who offer safe and secure methods of disposing of electronic items such as computers or phones – this should be done regularly if your business uses a lot of technology.

Additionally, ensure that all data stored on these devices has been securely wiped before sending them off for processing; this will help protect against potential breaches of privacy which could put your customers at risk.

Finally, don’t forget to keep track of any receipts provided by recyclers so you can prove that proper processes were followed when getting rid of unwanted equipment.

How To Save The World From Plastic Pollution

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There is not one solution, we all know that. But let’s take a look back in time for a possible solution to plastic pollution. In a past-era, we had a solution that worked. Why not try that option once again. The returnable, refillable container of last century that was a sure thing introduced by Coca Cola in the 1920’s. It ensured customer satisfaction and more importantly, customer loyalty.

plastic-wastes

Coca Cola sold its desirable liquid in expensive bottles that the company needed to be returned for the next drink batch, and the batch after that, and the batch after that one, and so on. The bottle was reused 40 or 50 times. That’s an excellent usage record for one glass bottle.

How did it work? Simple. The company included a deposit charge. In those days, a two-cent deposit equated to about 40% of the full cost of the bottle of drink in the 1920’s. They secured around 98% return of their bottles. The deposit system is a highly successful model for securing the return of the original product, in this case the glass packaging.

This is a closed loop system, where the purchaser rents the container or packaging and buys the content. The idea of generating trash or getting rid of the container is not an option. So why is there not a surge in the regeneration of the conservation within the consumerism marketing approach?

It has been reintroduced when Szaky reintroduced the Loop approach for his online delivery service. The Loop market sells over 300 different items, in containers of various size and made from various materials. One can purchase food products, like ice cream right out to the more boring household items such as cleaning products.

The Loop signature product is the Häagen-Dazs ice cream sold in an insulated stainless steel tub. This means no softening, no melt. Just firm, cold ice cream by the time it reaches your home. Refillables are a serious, viable solution for the plastic waste crisis that the globe is presently facing. It is a way forward for future waste control but does not address the present plastic waste crisis.

plastic-collection-middle-east

Other initiatives are the ‘Bring you own refillable cup’ in cafes and coffee houses. The sale of coffee in refillable cups means we can avoid filling the landfills with once-used, thin-plastic-film lined paper cups. That’s another great retro step to reducing our plastic footprint.

The circular economy can also replace those very convenient one-serving of coffee, or sugar, or soup, or detergent, and so on. These single-serve sachets are typically in a plastic-type packaging. Yes, affordable. No, waste generators. Instead, we need to revert back to vending machine filling your container with a limited or selected  amount.

This container deposit – returnable item would not have grabbed the market several years back. But now that the outcry against plastics is so loud, the ‘Loop method’ can actually shout louder and grab the attention of investors and consumers. A global crisis makes the global population open its eyes and its mind.

How successful is Szaky with the ‘Loop  model’? He gave his pitch at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and he secured big producers like Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola, Unilever, Proctor and Gamble all to sign on.

This is only part of the story about the future of plastic but it’s a great place to rethink and restart the process of consumerism.

Energy Answers for the Middle East

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The economy of Middle East is practically synonymous with crude oil for the average Western observer, but what most people aren’t aware of is the Middle East hasn’t been doing so well out of its crude oil reserves in recent years. So much so, that it may be the first time in history that we can justifiably declare an imminent state of Peak Oil in these regions.

It is an understandably bold statement, and one that will come as a surprise to many… especially those who have been blindsided by the more general, global statistics. Besides a slight dip over the course of 2013, it appears that crude oil production around the world is in on an upward trend, and peak oil doesn’t seem to be on this side of the horizon.

an oil field in middle east

But there’s a reason why production looks so healthy, and it isn’t anything to do with the Middle East region. If we exclude North America from the statistics, we’re left with a much bleaker picture. It is clear that it is only the U.S. and Canada who are bolstering production figures for the rest of the world. Everywhere else is seeing a sharp decline – and likely prolonged – decline.

Worse, even North America seems to be suffering once you dig into the details; their own upswing rests solely upon shale reserves, a sub-set of oil production that is becoming increasingly hard to recover in way that is economically viable. This is why less than 30% of shale operations take place outside of America and Canada, since they have almost exclusive access to the specialized rigs required to obtain shale oil.

Flow Reversal

Most of the fossil fuel action now seems to be flowing out of America rather than towards it, and it’s highly likely that the U.S. and Canada will begin to export its excess oil to regions that, historically, used to produce it themselves. The shale boom has already crippled the European refineries, and West African suppliers are suffering a similar fate.

Given that the Middle East region is also in the firing line, what can be done to mitigate this, or at least lessen the dependency on crude oil?

United Arab Emirates is arguably just as famous for its oil as it is as pioneers of green technology. Cities such as Abu Dhabi (and Masdar City in particular) are well known for their greenery, advanced architecture, eco initiatives and focus on carbon-neutral municipal planning.

Great advances have been made already in these ‘green cities of the future’, and further innovations would be welcome. Improved water recycling or an increase in roof gardens are all areas which could drive things ever forward.

Dubai Wasn’t Built in a Day

As well as focusing on how to reduce waste and better use the resources we do have, it should also be remembered that many countries in the Middle East weren’t exclusively built on oil.

For instance, it’s a common misconception that Dubai’s great wealth came from the black gold; while the towering metropolis of today is markedly different from the settlement that has stood their since antiquity, it has blossomed for thousands of years as a prime location for trade. While oil has undeniably played its part, less than 7% of the emirate’s revenues come from oil and gas.

Dubai is a good example in that it has recognized the need for diversification in recent years. It remains a global hub for trade – accounting for 16% of its revenue – and has recently established itself as a huge market for real estate, construction, and tourism. A good move on Dubai’s part, really, since its oil is expected to run out soon.

Ultimately, the answer seems to fall somewhere between Abu Dhabi’s focus on alternative energies and Dubai’s focus on different revenue streams. What is clear, however, is that focusing solely on chasing down the last barrel of oil is not a foolish move economically, but one which is will short-change our environment in the process.

4 Energy-Saving Gadgets to Save Money on Electricity Bill

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If you are having problems in settling the cost of your electric bills time and time again, the most obvious thing to do is to conserve energy. One of the most common reasons for your electric bill rising significantly is using your appliances recklessly and without thought.

To save energy, you must first deal with how to use your appliances correctly and efficiently. If, however, your devices are ‘energy vampires’; machines that use too much energy even without use, then it’s probably time for you to switch gears and buy gadgets or devices that not only is a useful alternative to your appliances at home but also saves a lot of energy.

Here are some of the energy-saving gadgets or appliances you can use to conserve energy and save a lot of money on your next electric bill.

1. Solar Charger

If you are always charging the batteries of your handheld devices such as your mobile phone, iPods, digital camera, or other portable devices, you will be adding a lot more on your electric bill. The best thing to do about this is to buy a solar charger.

Not only is it efficient in charging your devices, but it also conserves a lot of energy since you don’t need to plug it in an outlet for it to charge. All you need to do is to leave it out in a sunny area and let the sun do the job for you. By the time it is finished, you can quickly charge the batteries of your devices without using electricity in your house.

2. Smart Power Strips

If you have seen commercials about saving energy and the like, you must have heard the term “energy vampires.” These are appliances that use too much power if left plugged in the socket, even if you are not actively using the devices or left on standby mode. Some of the most common energy vampires at home are smartphones, TVs, light bulbs, and laptop chargers.

Sure, you can unplug then from the socket, but it would be too much of a hassle and a big bother, not to mention that it takes too much time, especially if you are in a hurry. But, if you use a smart power strip, the devices will automatically cut off power from appliances that are not in active use or left in standby mode, saving you time, money, and effort.

There is a lot of variety when it comes to smart power strips. Some are color-coded, divided into parts where your appliances should be plugged in specific sockets, and for the others too. Most of them, however, look like the standard sockets that you can install near an appliance and are used as a regular socket. That may be the case, but at least you are saving energy by using them.

On average, a regular household saves at least 25% of their energy cost when using a smart power strip. If you, however, take the chance and switch to smart power strips completely, you can save almost 50% of your total energy cost per month.

3. Energy Star Appliances

If you need to buy a new appliance, such as a washing machine or a microwave, shopping for energy star appliances will save you a lot of money in the long run. While these appliances can sometimes be more expensive than a regular one, you can save money in the long term since they take up less energy while still being efficient.

This is true, especially in washing machines. Washing machine technology has come so far recently and now offers products that cost less $80 a year to operate.

4. Smart Thermostat

Using a regular thermostat in your house can sometimes be a hassle since you have to adjust it manually. Also, if left unchecked, it will cost additional money on your electric bill because of the inefficiency. However, if you are using a smart thermostat, you will be saving both time and money since the intelligent thermostat will do the adjusting for you.

These devices learn from your household habits and will be using energy-efficient adjustments, even if you are not at home. By using a smart thermostat, you will be saving at least 10 to 25% of energy, which will shave off a significant portion of your monthly electric bills.

While this might be a little more expensive than the regular one, it is still a good investment because of the money it will shave off your bills. The average price of a smart thermostat can be $200, at least, but some landlords are willing to credit this cost in your next payment.

Bonus Tip

It’s also a good practice to scout for electricity providers that provide competitive rates. For instance, if you’re residing in Ohio, one of the prudent things you can do is to compare electricity prices in Ohio area and check for the differences in terms of pricing. That way, you can choose the right energy provider that offers a lower rate.

Takeaway

Taking the time, money, and effort to switch to energy saving appliances and devices might be costly, but it will be worth it in the long run. Most of your bills come from the use of electricity, and it will be a great help in budgeting if some of it will be shaved off. Thus, switching to energy saving appliances is an excellent investment for your household.

How Biomass Helps with Sustainability

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The world is increasingly looking for ways to become more sustainable, and one of the most promising solutions is the use of biomass. Biomass is a renewable energy resource derived from organic materials such as plants, animals, and their byproducts. It is often seen as a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of using biomass for sustainability.

why use biomass for sustainability

What is Biomass?

Biomass is a renewable energy resource derived from organic materials such as plants, animals, and their byproducts. For example, wood, paper, crop waste, manure, and other organic materials can be used to generate energy. Biomass can be used to generate electricity, heat, and transportation fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, and biogas. It can also be used to produce plastics, fabrics, and other materials. As you can see, there are many advantages of biomass. It’s powerful enough that it can change the world.

The amazing thing about biomass has the potential to be a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. It is renewable, carbon-neutral, and more cost-effective than traditional energy sources. Additionally, it is abundant in many parts of the world, making it a readily available energy source.

The use of biomass for sustainability is becoming increasingly popular as more people recognize the potential benefits it can offer. Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used over and over again, making it a sustainable option. It does not produce carbon dioxide when burned, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, it is often cheaper than traditional energy sources, making it an attractive option for many businesses and individuals.

Despite the many benefits of using biomass for sustainability, there are still some challenges associated with it. For example, the production of biomass requires land, which can lead to deforestation and other environmental issues. Additionally, burning biomass can lead to air pollution, including the release of particulate matter and other pollutants. Lastly, the production of biomass can be expensive, making it out of reach for many individuals and businesses.

Even though there are challenges to deal with, biomass is an important renewable energy source that can help us achieve a more sustainable future. With the right policies and investments in place, we can ensure that biomass is used responsibly and efficiently. This is key to ensuring that we can move towards a more sustainable future.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is often seen as a way of living responsibly with regard to our environment and natural resources. Sustainable practices aim to reduce the environmental impact of our activities and ensure that resources are used in a way that is equitable and efficient. This includes reducing waste and pollution, using renewable resources, and protecting ecosystems. Sustainability is an important goal for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to strive for in order to build a more sustainable future.

Sustainability involves making decisions that are mindful of the current and future impacts of our actions. This includes considering the environmental, economic, and social impacts of our activities. For example, choosing to use renewable energy sources like biomass can reduce our environmental footprint and create more jobs in the area. Additionally, investing in sustainable practices can help build a more resilient and equitable society.

Ultimately, sustainability is about making choices that are beneficial for both the present and future generations. By investing in renewable energy sources like biomass energy and making other sustainable choices, we can work towards creating a better future for all.

Benefits of Using Biomass for Sustainability

  • Renewable: Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used over and over again, making it a sustainable option.
  • Carbon-neutral: Unlike fossil fuels, biomass does not produce carbon dioxide when burned, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
  • Cost-effective: Biomass is often cheaper than traditional energy sources, making it an attractive option for many businesses and individuals.
  • Abundance: Biomass is abundant in many parts of the world, making it readily available for use.
  • Versatile: Biomass can be used to generate electricity, heat, and transportation fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, and biogas. It can also be used to produce plastics, fabrics, and other materials.
  • Clean: Burning biomass does not produce the same air pollutants as burning fossil fuels, making it a cleaner energy source.
  • Jobs: The biomass industry can create jobs in the areas it is used, helping to boost local economies.
  • Local: Biomass can be sourced locally, reducing the need for long-distance transport of energy resources.

date-palm-waste-management

Challenges of Using Biomass for Sustainability

While biomass is a promising renewable energy source, there are some challenges associated with using it for sustainability. Below you can find a list of the most common challenges that come with using biomass for energy:

  • Land use: The production of biomass requires land, which can lead to deforestation and other environmental issues.
  • Pollution: Burning biomass can lead to air pollution, including the release of particulate matter and other pollutants.
  • Expense: The production of biomass can be expensive, making it out of reach for many individuals and businesses.
  • Availability: Biomass is not available in all parts of the world, making it difficult to access in some areas.
  • Storage: Biomass is more difficult to store than other energy sources, making it challenging to use on a large scale.
  • Technology: Using biomass requires specialized technology, which can be costly and difficult to access.

Conclusion

Biomass is a promising renewable energy source that can help us move towards sustainability. It has many benefits, including being renewable, carbon-neutral, cost-effective, abundant, versatile, clean, and job creation. Additionally, it can be sourced locally, reducing the need for long-distance transport of energy resources.

Despite some challenges, biomass is an important renewable energy source that can help us achieve a more sustainable future. With the right policies and investments in place, we can ensure that biomass is used responsibly and efficiently, helping us to move towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

Data Centers, AI and the Water–Energy Nexus: Toward Sustainable Digital Infrastructure in the MENA Region

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Abstract

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscale data centers is reshaping global electricity demand while intensifying water dependency. This article analyzes the structural energy transition associated with AI-driven computational scaling, examines the implications for the water–energy nexus, and discusses technological and governance pathways for sustainable digital infrastructure. Particular attention is given to water-stressed regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where digital expansion must align with hydric constraints and renewable energy strategies.

Digital Acceleration and Structural Energy Transition

The global digital ecosystem is undergoing an unprecedented transformation driven by artificial intelligence, hyperscale cloud computing, and data-intensive services. Unlike previous ICT growth cycles, the current AI revolution is characterized by exponential computational scaling and high-density GPU clusters.

As illustrated in Figure 1, projected global data center electricity demand is expected to nearly double between 2020 and 2030, reaching approximately 100 GW equivalent load.

datacenter power consumption worldwide

Interpretation

Figure 1 demonstrates the structural acceleration of electricity demand driven by AI workloads. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global data center electricity consumption reached approximately 460 TWh in 2022 and could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026 under accelerated AI scenarios [1]. In some advanced economies, projections indicate that data centers could represent up to 10–12% of national electricity consumption by 2030 [2].

This growth is not linear but structurally transformative, as AI clusters now operate at rack densities exceeding 100–150 kW per rack, significantly increasing localized grid stress [3].

To contextualize this expansion, sectoral comparisons are shown in Figure 2.

electricity demand across different sectors

Interpretation

Figure 2 shows that data centers rank among the fastest-growing electricity-consuming sectors globally, comparable to electric vehicles and building electrification. This indicates that digital infrastructure is no longer a marginal consumer but a structural driver of electricity demand growth.

Masanet et al. (2020) highlighted that efficiency gains previously offset demand growth, but AI-induced computational intensity may reverse this stabilizing trend [3].

AI Scaling Laws and Computational Intensification

The core driver of this structural energy shift lies in AI scaling laws. Model performance improves predictably with increased computational effort and dataset magnitude [4][5], incentivizing ever-larger training runs.

AI training dataset

Interpretation

Figure 3 (logarithmic scale) illustrates the exponential increase in AI training dataset sizes. This growth reflects scaling behaviors described by Kaplan et al. (2020) [5], where compute requirements increase as a power-law function of model size.

Training large transformer models may require several gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity [6], and earlier studies estimated that certain NLP training runs emitted over 284 tons of CO₂ under carbon-intensive electricity mixes [7].

This computational intensification leads to:

  • Increased GPU cluster density
  • Elevated thermal output
  • Higher cooling loads
  • Increased indirect water use via electricity generation

Although global average PUE has declined from ~2.0 in 2010 to ~1.55 in 2023 [8], AI workload growth currently outpaces efficiency improvements.

Water Consumption and the Water–Energy Nexus

Electricity demand alone does not capture the environmental footprint of AI data centers. Water use—particularly for cooling—constitutes a critical sustainability dimension.

Evaporative cooling towers may consume tens of millions of liters annually for a single hyperscale facility. Li et al. (2023) estimated that U.S. data centers consume approximately 1.7 billion liters of water daily when direct and indirect water uses are combined [9].

Indirect water consumption associated with thermoelectric electricity generation may exceed direct cooling withdrawals [10], reinforcing the systemic nature of the water–energy nexus.

In the MENA region—where per capita water availability often falls below 1,000 m³/year [11]—AI-driven data center expansion could intensify:

  • Competition with agriculture
  • Urban water stress
  • Desalination-electricity feedback loops
  • Drought vulnerability

Without hybrid dry cooling, wastewater reuse, and renewable integration, digital infrastructure may exacerbate regional hydric fragility.

water-energy nexus in data centers

Technological and Policy Mitigation Pathways

Several mitigation strategies can reduce environmental impact:

Advanced Cooling Technologies

  • Liquid immersion cooling reduces cooling energy demand by up to 30–40% [12].
  • AI-based cooling optimization has demonstrated approximately 30% reductions in operational facilities [13].
  • Closed-loop cooling significantly reduces freshwater withdrawal.

Renewable Energy Integration

Hyperscalers have become major renewable energy buyers globally [14]. However, renewable energy integration must align with grid stability and storage capacity.

Hardware and Algorithmic Efficiency

Emerging innovations include:

  • Model pruning and quantization
  • Advanced semiconductor nodes
  • Silicon photonics interconnects [15]
  • Renewable-aware workload scheduling

These approaches may partially decouple compute growth from energy intensity.

Strategic Implications for the MENA Region

Digital transformation in water-stressed regions requires integrated planning that combines:

  • Solar-powered data centers
  • Treated wastewater reuse
  • Hybrid dry cooling systems
  • Renewable-powered desalination
  • Transparent environmental metrics (PUE, WUE, CUE)

For MENA economies pursuing digital sovereignty and AI competitiveness, sustainability constraints must be embedded at the infrastructure design stage.

Conclusion

Figures 1–3 demonstrate that AI-driven data center expansion represents a systemic transformation of global electricity demand and water dependency. The exponential scaling of computational intensity reshapes both energy systems and hydric pressures.

A sustainable digital future requires:

  • Integrated water–energy governance
  • Technological innovation in cooling and hardware
  • Renewable integration
  • Transparent reporting frameworks

For water-stressed regions such as MENA, sustainable digital infrastructure planning is not optional—it is strategic.

References

[1] International Energy Agency (IEA), Electricity 2024, 2024.
[2] U.S. Department of Energy, Data Center Energy Forecast 2024, 2024.
[3] Masanet, E. et al., “Recalibrating global data center energy-use estimates,” Science, 2020, 367(6481), 984–986.
[4] Brown, T. et al., “Language Models are Few-Shot Learners,” NeurIPS, 2020.
[5] Kaplan, J. et al., “Scaling Laws for Neural Language Models,” arXiv:2001.08361, 2020.
[6] Patterson, D. et al., “Carbon Emissions and Large Neural Network Training,” arXiv:2104.10350, 2021.
[7] Strubell, E. et al., “Energy and Policy Considerations for Deep Learning in NLP,” ACL, 2019.
[8] Uptime Institute, Global Data Center Survey 2023, 2023.
[9] Li, Y. et al., “Water consumption of U.S. data centers,” Nature Sustainability, 2023, 6, 123–131.
[10] Meldrum, J. et al., “Life cycle water use for electricity generation,” Environmental Research Letters, 2013, 8(1), 015031.
[11] World Bank, Beyond Scarcity: Water Security in MENA, 2018.
[12] Zhang, H. et al., “Energy-efficient liquid cooling technologies,” Applied Energy, 2022, 306, 118076.
[13] Evans, R., Gao, J., “DeepMind AI reduces Google data centre cooling bill,” Nature, 2016, 538, 12–13.
[14] BloombergNEF, Corporate Renewable Energy Market Outlook, 2024.
[15] Miller, D.A.B., “Silicon Photonics,” Nature Photonics, 2017, 11, 403–404.

How Do I Know What Method Of Shipment Is Best For Me?

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When it comes to cargo, selecting the right method of shipment can be challenging. Considering the perilous situations your goods may have to go through, you need to be cautious when picking the appropriate mode of transport to ensure safe and timely freight delivery.

With so many options available, it can take time to determine which one is best for your particular situation. To help you make the best decision, here are some tips on knowing which shipment method is the best for you.

which shipment method is the best for you

Type of Goods

Start by considering what type of goods you are shipping. Different shipping methods are suited for different types of products. For example, if you are shipping fragile items, you may opt for a method offering extra protection, such as air freight forwarder services or express shipping.

On the other hand, if you are shipping bulky items, opt for a less expensive shipping method, such as ground shipping. The right company will brief you on the best method for your shipment. Do your research to get a clear idea of your action plan.

Destination

Next, consider the destination of your shipment. If you are shipping to a rural area, choose a method that offers door-to-door delivery. On the other hand, if you are shipping to an urban area, you may be better off using a method that offers pick-up options. Consider the distance as well.

If you’re looking to send your goods to a far-off place, consider air freight — but you’d have to pay more for that than ocean transport. Also, check the company’s record in delivering long-distance shipments.

Urgency

Are you tight on time or does your shipment need to be delivered urgently? Each shipping method offers varying levels of speed. For example, express shipping is usually the fastest, while ground shipping is usually the slowest. Depending on the urgency of your shipment — and the distance — you may opt for a faster shipping method.

Before hiring a company, discuss your specific requirements so you don’t run into issues later on. Let them know of any special demands so they can plan accordingly.

Cost

Finally, consider the cost of the shipment. Different shipping methods come with different costs. For example, air freight can be more expensive than ground shipping, but it is usually faster. Similarly, express shipping can be more expensive than ground shipping, but it is usually faster.

Before selecting a shipping method, make sure to compare the costs of each option to make sure you get the best deal. Review quotes from different companies and choose the one that is within your budget and delivers the goods within the time frame you provided.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right shipment method is easy if you research correctly. By considering the type of goods, destination, urgency, and cost of your shipment, you can determine which method and freight forwarder are the best for you and your needs.