ABSTRACT
In oil-rich GCC countries, freshwater resources are in limited supply. Cities in the region are coastal to allow seawater utilization in high throughput desalination, which yields freshwater at severe energy and carbon penalties. Treating wastewater, conversely, costs a fraction of seawater desalination and water reuse offers a sustainable solution to meet burgeoning water demand, especially for society’s functions requiring non-potable water. In Abu Dhabi, UAE, water reuse is a significant component of the governmental sustainable development goals; however, protection of public health from persistent water contaminants remains a concern. Ongoing water reuse research at the Masdar Institute seeks to meet the overarching goal of establishing safe and sustainable practices for treated municipal wastewater reuse.
