We evaluate many water management technologies at Hijaz Green Co: Ahmed Munshi | |
Staff Writer |
The Middle East has experienced a serious shortage of clean water over the past few years. Baseline stress is very high across much of the Middle East, including all of the GCC countries. This is not a new realisation. NASA reported that 2016's Middle Eastern drought was the worst in 900 years. The situation has worsened as the region's population has grown rapidly. Wastewater treatment and investments in water reuse have made great strides in the meanwhile. There are specific water issues that only Council countries confront, such as the need to expand alternate water sources like water reuse and the construction of greenfield wastewater collecting and treatment infrastructure. The region is making progress, though, in satisfying its water needs.
According to the GCC Unified Water Strategy, member governments have agreed to increase the use of recycled water to 90% by 2035. All GCC countries have agreed to increase their wastewater collection and water reuse by a factor of two by 2030 as part of the GCC Unified Water Strategy. Investment plans for wastewater infrastructure per year amount to US$5.21 billion, with five of the six GCC states reporting such intentions.
Elaborating further on this development, Eng. Ahmed Munshi, CEO of Hijaz Green Co. for Industrial Waste Treatment and Sea Desalination stated, “In order to solve the problem of water scarcity in the Middle East, we at Hijaz Green Co. examine a wide range of options for promoting sustainable water management strategies. To begin, we are in the business of developing and implementing water-efficient solutions that cut down on water consumption and boost efficiency across many industries, including production, power generation, and agriculture.”
The company has thus invested in the state-of-the-art Japanese Combined Fermentation System (CFS), which can convert a wide variety of wastes into usable, irrigation, or even clean drinking water. These wastes include sewage, industrial wastes like Spent Caustic, Leachate, brine water (Sea Desalination), and radioactive waste. Managing these contaminants is one way in which the (CFS) can contribute to a more sustainable future. Reduce your waste output, use less water, and recycle water if you can. In addition, the corporation will back R&D initiatives that improve water management practices, promote sustainable water use, and bring current technologies to the forefront. In order to maximise the benefits of this technology, a comprehensive business strategy is designed. This strategy takes into account market research, technological customisation, production and installation processes, as well as ongoing operation and maintenance.
“The success of our efforts would depend on our ability to collaborate with relevant parties. We would like to work with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop and implement water management policies and programmes that are equitable, environmentally responsible, and productive for the economy. This would necessitate engaging with local communities to gain an understanding of their unique water needs and challenges, as well as establishing reliable partnerships and networks with enterprises with experience in water management,” Munshi added.
Technology driving the growth
The GAINA Conventional Desalination Technology and the Combined Fermentation System Sea Water Desalination Technology are two methods of desalination that Hijaz Green Co. is advocating for. Both of these innovations have the potential to drastically alter the company's trajectory.
Similar to the widely used Conventional Desalination Technology, GAINA seawater desalination has successfully created significant quantities of fresh water from seawater. The difference is that the waste products can be used to generate electricity and emissions and waste are reduced. In this process, reverse osmosis membranes are used to filter salt and other impurities out of seawater, leaving behind potable water. This method has been shown to be effective, albeit it can be energy costly and requires careful management to prevent membrane fouling and damage. Desalination systems like GAINA and conventional methods may not be as energy efficient as the newer Combined Fermentation System (CFS) Sea Water Desalination Technology. Since 1995, Japan has been a major user of the Combined Fermentation System (CFS), a technology developed in the country. It has been used successfully for the treatment of a wide variety of wastes, including ultra-saline industrial waste. The end result is potable water that can be used in farming. Microorganisms' ability to break down the waste—in this example, salt and other metals and minerals—is crucial to the (CFS) desalination process. The CFS system's lack of salt water rejects and pushes back into the sea is one of its most notable features. The rejected items are recycled back into the system and treated again until the resulting demand is met. (CFS) is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to desalinate saltwater and turn it into potable water.
“Which desalination method is chosen will depend on a number of factors, including the specific needs and constraints of the area, the availability of energy sources, and the long-term sustainability and economic viability of the technology. Sometimes, it's necessary to use multiple technologies simultaneously to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness. As a company committed to promoting and executing desalination technology, we would prioritise the development and implementation of the most efficient and long-term answers to the water shortage problem in the region,” informed Munshi.
Going digital
The use of digital technology has the potential to greatly contribute to the solution of water sector problems and the improvement of water management. However, the region understands that there is no single solution to the water crisis, but rather a need for a comprehensive plan that incorporates elements such as sustainable water usage practices, water infrastructure, and social and economic considerations.
“We would prioritise integrating digital technologies into a more thorough water management strategy that accounts for the specific needs and constraints of the area. Our plan calls for coordinating closely with water providers, municipalities, and local communities to better understand their needs and offer tailored solutions that reduce water wastage while increasing efficiency,” opined Munshi.
The current situation shows a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable water management strategies in the Middle East region. Due to population growth and increased industrial activity, the demand for water in the Middle East continues to rise. Therefore, it is crucial to implement sustainable water management practices to ensure that water is available for future generations. Wastewater recovery provides a steady supply of water for non-potable uses, while desalination provides an alternative freshwater supply. Digitising water and wastewater systems helps them run more smoothly and cheaply. Recent changes have pushed the Middle East in the direction of a more efficient and long-
lasting water management system, which is crucial to the future of the region.
Adding more value to the subject, Munshi further informed, “Our company would implement cutting-edge digital technologies including sensors, real-time monitoring systems, and predictive analytics to boost operational efficiency and allow for better decision making. However, we recognise that a more thorough water management plan is required for these technologies to be effective, one that places a premium on investments in water infrastructure and sustainable water use practices. Our ultimate goal is to develop and implement water management strategies that are both long-term and efficient enough to deal with the complex issues that arise from water scarcity. We believe that the best way to tackle the world's water crisis is to focus on a holistic approach that includes digital technologies and other relevant factors.”
Zero Liquid Discharge
The Combined Fermentation System (CFS) relies heavily on zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) technologies. Waste from sewage treatment plants, industrial waste such as spent caustic, leachate, brine water (from sea desalination), and radioactive waste are just some of the types of waste that the (CFS) is designed to manage.
The (CFS) is effective because it combines aerobic and anaerobic biological treatments with membrane separation and ZLD technology. In order to make high-quality treated water that can be safely released into the environment or reused, the ZLD method is used to remove toxins and pollutants from the wastewater stream. ZLD techniques use a variety of physical, biological, and occasionally chemical processes to purify wastewater. In the end, the system should produce a high-quality treated water stream that may be safely reused or released into the environment, with any waste stream being reinjected into the system for further treatment until the desired results are achieved.
“The Combined Fermentation System (CFS) is a potential technique that Hijaz Green Co. is exploring as part of its ongoing efforts to improve existing wastewater treatment facilities. (CFS) technology may help with the sustainable and cost-effective treatment and reuse of wastewater, industrial waste, and other waste kinds. Japan and other countries have made good use of (CFS) technology in a variety of industries, such as municipal wastewater, oil and gas, chemical, and nuclear power facilities,” commented Munshi.
Some of Saudi Arabia's existing wastewater treatment facilities may soon be upgraded to incorporate (CFS) technology in an effort to reduce the country's water constraints and environmental challenges. The technique has various benefits, including its high efficiency at waste removal, low energy consumption, significant cost cuts, low maintenance needs, and high-quality effluent output. As part of the Saudi 2030 sustainable vision for the future, which aims to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, Hijaz Green Co. is actively promoting the use of (CFS) technology throughout the kingdom.
“The company has collaborated with a number of public and private sector entities to incorporate (CFS) technology into existing wastewater treatment plants. The purpose of these renovations is to address environmental concerns while also meeting the growing demand for potable water across the country. Incorporating (CFS) technology into preexisting wastewater treatment facilities is an effective method that can help Saudi Arabia meet its sustainable development goals and handle its water scarcity and environmental problems,” informed Munshi.
Greywater systems for homes and buildings
In order to collect and utilise wastewater from fixtures like sinks, showers, and washing machines, homes and buildings can install greywater systems. Then, treated or untreated, greywater can be put to many non-drinking purposes. In its early phases, (CFS) is intended to clean up domestic wastewater such as that left over after shampoo and detergent use, as well as organic contaminants, using the (CFS) Mobile-T purification system. Which is useful for both the sewage system and water collection at home. (CFS) technology is suitable for domestic water purification systems that employ containers and have a daily capacity of up to 60 cubic metres. Many homes rely solely on the (CFS) because they lack access to municipal water and sewage systems; in these cases, fresh water is used, treated through the (CFS), and recycled for domestic use in a closed loop that requires no human intervention and leaves only a minimal footprint.
Apartments and condos are included in this category along with schools, golf courses, mosques, and commercial centres. Rural places (deserts, mountains, rural villages, and islands) without extensive sewage infrastructure are good candidates for the container-style home water filtration system. (CFS) can be helpful in places where there is either not enough energy available or it is too expensive to generate it.
Ahmed Munshi spends his free time researching innovative sustainable methods for water and wastewater management, meeting with other professionals in the field, and brainstorming ways to expand the company's offerings. Networking with other professionals and thought leaders can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Reading, working out, and hanging out with loved ones were all activities that brought him delight.