ABOUT

The Center for Water, Desalination and Reuse (CWDR) is focusing on the two parts; i)seawater desalination and wastewater reuse primarily through membrane-based technology, and ii)disinfectant and disinfection by-products(D/DBP) in freshwater(including wastewater) and seawater.

 

Seawater and wastewater are regarded as an main alternative sources for the future shortage of water in the world because of unlimited and easily accessible characteristics. In order to use further exploit these resources, major technological breakthroughs are needed in many areas of membrane and oxidation technology including reverse osmosis(RO), membrane distillation(MD), forward osmosis(FO), carbon nanotube (CNT) and hybrid systems.

 

Although the center focuses mainly on membrane-based desalination processes, it constantly pursue the research on conventional water treatment area including disinfection and disinfection by-product(D/DBP). The center has vest interest in the behavior of disinfectant(e.g., chlorine decay) and DBP formation(e.g., THMs, HAAs) in the seawater and wastewater. The main goal of this research is to develop robust models for disinfectant decay and DBP formation of seawater.

 

In wastewater reclamation and reuse, the Center focuses on technology development to promote potable and industrial reuse, both drinking water and ultra pure water. Zero liquid discharge is also included in the center's interest. Advanced oxidation process(AOP) utilizing pulse UV is testing to the treatment of highly concentrated waterwater(e.g., shalegas wastewater).

 

The challenge is to extend knowledge from bench-scale to pilot-scale(sometimes full-scale) applications. The center's endeavor through optimized and innovative technologies, and energy (e.g., solar-powered) hybrids will contribute to reduce the cost of water, and eventually achieve to provide safer and more affordable drinking water through all the world.