Water-Food-Energy-Ecosystems Nexus in MENA: Role of Startups and Entrepreneurship

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The MENA region stands at the intersection of some of the most acute resource challenges globally. Water scarcity, energy dependency, food insecurity, and ecosystem degradation are not isolated crises; they are deeply interconnected, reinforcing one another in complex and often unpredictable ways. The Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus has emerged as a conceptual and operational framework to address these interdependencies, promoting integrated resource management and cross-sectoral coordination. Yet, despite its conceptual maturity and policy recognition, the WEFE Nexus in MENA remains largely under-implemented. The missing link is not knowledge, nor policy ambition, it is execution. Increasingly, startups and entrepreneurship are emerging as critical enablers capable of bridging this gap between theory and practice.

water energy food ecosystem nexus

The WEFE Nexus is grounded in the recognition that water, energy, food, and ecosystems are interdependent systems whose interactions must be managed holistically to ensure sustainability and resilience. Traditional sectoral approaches, which treat these domains independently, have proven insufficient in addressing the cascading impacts of climate change, population growth, and resource depletion. The Mediterranean region, including much of MENA, is considered a global hotspot for climate vulnerability, where declining water availability, rising temperatures, and ecosystem stress threaten long-term socio-economic stability [1]. In this context, the WEFE Nexus offers a framework to optimize synergies, minimize trade-offs, and enhance resource efficiency across sectors.

However, the transition from conceptual frameworks to operational solutions remains a major bottleneck. Institutional fragmentation, siloed governance structures, and rigid financing mechanisms continue to hinder the adoption of integrated approaches. In many countries, water, energy, and agricultural policies are developed and implemented independently, often leading to conflicting objectives and inefficiencies. This fragmentation is reinforced by funding structures that allocate resources along sectoral lines, leaving cross-cutting initiatives without clear ownership or financial support [2] . As a result, the WEFE Nexus often remains confined to academic discourse and pilot projects, with limited large-scale deployment.

At the same time, the urgency of the region’s challenges is intensifying. MENA is the most water-scarce region in the world, with per capita water availability declining steadily over the past decades. Rapid population growth, urbanization, and economic development are increasing demand for water, energy, and food, placing additional pressure on already stressed systems. According to regional analyses, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to water (SDG 6), energy (SDG 7), and food security (SDG 2), is significantly constrained by these structural challenges [3] . Addressing these interconnected issues requires not only integrated policies but also innovative, scalable solutions that can operate across sectors and adapt to local contexts.

This is where startups and entrepreneurship enter the equation, not as peripheral actors, but as central drivers of transformation. Unlike traditional institutions, startups are inherently designed to operate across boundaries, combining technological innovation with flexible business models. In the context of the WEFE Nexus, they are uniquely positioned to develop and deploy solutions that simultaneously address water, energy, and food challenges.

For example, startups in the region are increasingly working on solar-powered irrigation systems, water-efficient agriculture technologies, decentralized desalination units, and circular economy solutions that convert waste into energy or agricultural inputs. These innovations embody the principles of the WEFE Nexus by creating synergies between sectors rather than treating them in isolation.

Evidence from innovation ecosystems in MENA suggests that entrepreneurship is already playing a growing role in advancing nexus-related solutions. A regional study involving startups across nine countries highlights the emergence of social and technological innovations aimed at improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing resilience in water and food systems [4]. These startups are not only developing new technologies but also experimenting with business models that enable affordability, scalability, and local adaptation. In many cases, they are addressing gaps left by traditional infrastructure and public services, particularly in underserved or remote areas.

Despite this potential, startups in the WEFE space face significant barriers that limit their impact. Access to finance remains one of the most critical challenges, as many investors perceive nexus-related projects as high-risk due to their cross-sectoral nature and long payback periods. Regulatory frameworks are often not adapted to innovative business models, creating additional hurdles for market entry and scaling. Bureaucratic complexity, limited access to data, and weak linkages between research institutions and industry further constrain innovation. These barriers are not unique to the MENA region, but they are particularly pronounced given the institutional and economic context.

To unlock the full potential of startups in advancing the WEFE Nexus, a fundamental shift in the enabling environment is required. First, policy frameworks must evolve from sector-specific approaches to integrated strategies that explicitly support cross-sectoral innovation. This includes the establishment of inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms, the alignment of regulatory frameworks, and the creation of dedicated funding instruments for nexus projects. Blended finance models, combining public, private, and donor funding, have been identified as promising tools to de-risk investments and attract private capital to WEFE initiatives [2]. By addressing financial barriers, such mechanisms can enable startups to move from pilot stages to large-scale deployment.

Second, innovation ecosystems must be strengthened to support entrepreneurship in the WEFE domain. This involves fostering collaboration between universities, research centers, startups, and industry, as well as providing access to incubation, acceleration, and mentorship programs. Knowledge-sharing platforms and communities of practice, such as those developed under regional initiatives, play a crucial role in disseminating best practices and facilitating replication of successful solutions [5]. Capacity-building efforts are also essential to equip entrepreneurs with the technical, managerial, and financial skills needed to navigate the complexities of nexus projects.

solar-powered irrigation

Third, there is a need to rethink the role of public institutions in driving innovation. Rather than acting solely as regulators or service providers, governments can play a catalytic role by creating demand for innovative solutions through public procurement, supporting pilot projects, and facilitating partnerships between startups and established actors. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can serve as effective mechanisms to scale up successful innovations, leveraging the strengths of both sectors. In this context, demonstration projects and living labs are particularly valuable, as they provide real-world environments for testing and validating nexus solutions before wider deployment.

Importantly, the contribution of startups to the WEFE Nexus goes beyond technological innovation. It also involves social innovation, including new ways of organizing production, distribution, and consumption. In many cases, startups are engaging local communities, farmers, and small-scale producers, ensuring that solutions are not only technically viable but also socially acceptable and economically inclusive. This is particularly relevant in the MENA region, where socio-economic disparities and governance challenges require context-specific approaches that go beyond top-down interventions.

However, it would be a mistake to romanticize the role of startups as a silver bullet. Entrepreneurship alone cannot overcome structural challenges such as weak governance, political instability, or inadequate infrastructure. Without supportive policies, access to finance, and institutional coordination, even the most promising innovations will struggle to scale. Moreover, the fragmentation that the WEFE Nexus seeks to overcome can also be replicated within innovation ecosystems if stakeholders operate in isolation. The challenge, therefore, is not only to promote entrepreneurship but to integrate it within a broader systemic approach that aligns incentives, policies, and investments.

The strategic importance of startups in the WEFE Nexus lies in their ability to act as connectors linking sectors, bridging gaps between research and application, and translating abstract concepts into tangible solutions. They bring agility, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge existing paradigms, which are essential for navigating the complexity of interconnected resource systems. In a region where traditional approaches have reached their limits, this capacity for innovation and disruption is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Bottom Line

Unlocking the WEFE Nexus in MENA requires moving beyond rhetoric and embracing a pragmatic, implementation-oriented approach. This means recognizing that the success of the nexus is not determined by the elegance of its conceptual framework but by its ability to deliver real-world outcomes, improved water efficiency, sustainable energy use, resilient food systems, and restored ecosystems. Startups and entrepreneurship, when supported by the right enabling environment, have the potential to drive this transformation.

The path forward is clear but demanding. It requires coordinated action across multiple levels policy, finance, innovation, and society. It requires breaking down silos, rethinking institutional roles, and embracing new models of collaboration. Above all, it requires a shift in mindset: from viewing the WEFE Nexus as a theoretical construct to treating it as an operational imperative. In this transition, startups are not just participants; they are catalysts. The question is not whether they have a role to play, but whether the region is ready to leverage their potential at scale.

References

[1] MedECC. Climate and Environmental Change in the Mediterranean Basin – WEFE Nexus. 2024.

[2] Rhouma A, Daher B, Vrachioli M, Mohtar R, Gil JM. Financing the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem Nexus project. Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management. 2025;4.

[3] ESCWA. Water Development Report 6: The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus in the Arab Region. 2015.

[4] Engineering for Change. Water-Energy-Food Nexus Innovations in MENA. 2023.

[5] WEFE4MED. WEFE Nexus Programme in the Mediterranean. 2024.

Decentralized Brackish Water Desalination as a Catalyst for Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture

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Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing the Mediterranean basin, a region characterized by sharp climatic gradients, demographic pressures, and structural inequalities in resource distribution. Agriculture alone accounts for between 64% and 79% of freshwater withdrawals in many Mediterranean countries, particularly in the southern and eastern shores, where irrigation is essential for food security and rural livelihoods [1]. Climate change is intensifying these pressures through increased frequency of droughts, rising temperatures, and declining precipitation, thereby exacerbating groundwater depletion and salinization [2].

In this context, decentralized brackish water desalination is gaining recognition as a promising pathway to enhance water availability while supporting climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural systems. However, the success of such approaches depends not only on technological innovation but also on the capacity to bridge scientific, economic, and institutional gaps between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean.

brackish water desalination plant

Brackish water desalination offers a strategic alternative to conventional freshwater resources by tapping into underutilized saline aquifers. Compared to seawater desalination, brackish water treatment generally requires lower energy input and operational costs due to its lower salinity levels, making it particularly suitable for decentralized applications in rural and peri-urban areas [3].

Recent advances in membrane technologies, including low-pressure reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and hybrid systems, have significantly improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption [4]. Studies published in scientific journals have demonstrated that energy requirements for brackish water desalination can be as low as 0.5–2.5 kWh/m³, compared to 3–4 kWh/m³ for seawater desalination, depending on feedwater characteristics and system design [5]. These improvements create new opportunities for integrating desalination into agricultural practices, particularly when combined with renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics.

The integration of renewable energy with desalination technologies is a critical factor in reducing the carbon footprint of irrigation systems and aligning with global climate targets. The Mediterranean region, especially its southern part, has significant solar energy potential, which can be harnessed to power decentralized desalination units [6]. Hybrid systems combining solar energy with battery storage or grid backup have shown promising results in ensuring continuous operation and adapting to seasonal variations in water demand [7]. According to recent technical reports by international agencies, renewable-powered desalination can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil-fuel-based systems [8]. This aligns with broader policy frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, SDG 7, and SDG 13.

Despite these technological advancements, several barriers continue to hinder the widespread adoption of decentralized desalination systems in Mediterranean agriculture. High initial capital expenditures, limited access to financing, and lack of technical capacity among farmers remain significant challenges [9]. Moreover, the management of brine, a concentrated by-product of desalination, poses environmental risks if not properly handled. Recent research emphasizes the need for circular approaches to brine management, including the recovery of valuable minerals and nutrients, as well as the development of zero-liquid discharge systems [10]. These approaches not only mitigate environmental impacts but also enhance the economic viability of desalination projects.

The socio-economic dimension of water management is particularly critical in the Mediterranean context, where disparities between northern and southern countries are pronounced. Northern Mediterranean countries generally benefit from stronger institutional frameworks, higher levels of technological development, and better access to financial resources. In contrast, southern and eastern countries often face constraints related to governance, infrastructure, and investment capacity [11]. Bridging these gaps requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach that fosters collaboration, knowledge transfer, and co-development of solutions tailored to local conditions.

One of the most effective mechanisms for achieving this is the implementation of multi-actor approaches that actively involve farmers, researchers, technology providers, policymakers, and financial institutions. Living Labs, as highlighted in recent European research initiatives, provide a dynamic platform for co-creation, testing, and validation of innovative solutions in real-world settings [12]. These participatory frameworks ensure that technologies are not only technically sound but also socially acceptable and economically viable. Evidence from pilot projects across the Mediterranean indicates that stakeholder engagement significantly enhances adoption rates and long-term sustainability of water management solutions [13].

Digital technologies are also playing an increasingly important role in optimizing desalination and irrigation systems. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence, and digital twins enables real-time monitoring and predictive management of water and energy flows [14]. For instance, AI-driven optimization algorithms can adjust desalination parameters based on feedwater quality and energy availability, thereby improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. Recent studies have shown that digitalization can lead to energy savings of up to 20% and water use efficiency improvements of 15–25% in agricultural systems [15]. These innovations are particularly relevant in decentralized contexts, where resource constraints necessitate smart and adaptive management strategies.

schematic of brackish water desalination

The concept of the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interdependencies between different resource systems and for designing integrated solutions. In the Mediterranean region, where water scarcity directly impacts agricultural productivity and energy use, adopting a nexus approach is essential for achieving sustainability [16]. Decentralized desalination systems powered by renewable energy and coupled with efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation can significantly enhance water productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Moreover, the recovery of nutrients from brine streams can contribute to soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby supporting circular economy principles [17].

Bridging the gaps between the two shores of the Mediterranean is not only a matter of technology transfer but also of building mutual trust, shared governance structures, and aligned policy frameworks. Collaborative research and innovation programs, such as those funded under regional partnerships, play a crucial role in facilitating cross-border cooperation. These initiatives enable the exchange of best practices, harmonization of standards, and development of joint strategies for addressing common challenges [18]. For example, joint pilot projects involving partners from both northern and southern countries have demonstrated the feasibility of scaling up decentralized desalination solutions while adapting them to diverse agro-ecological conditions [19].

Financial mechanisms are another key element in bridging these gaps. Innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships, blended finance, and microcredit schemes, can help overcome investment barriers and support the deployment of decentralized systems at scale [20]. In particular, engaging local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of desalination units can stimulate economic development and create job opportunities in rural areas. Evidence from recent case studies suggests that localized value chains significantly enhance the resilience and sustainability of water infrastructure projects [21].

Policy coherence and regulatory support are equally important in enabling the adoption of non-conventional water resources. Clear guidelines on water quality standards, environmental protection, and resource allocation are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient use of desalinated water in agriculture. Furthermore, integrating desalination into national water management strategies and agricultural policies can provide a strong foundation for scaling up innovative solutions [22]. Cross-border policy dialogue and cooperation can also facilitate the alignment of regulatory frameworks and promote the adoption of best practices across the region.

Bottom Line

The success of decentralized brackish water desalination in the Mediterranean depends on the ability to create synergies between technological innovation, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability. Bridging the gaps between the northern and southern shores is a critical step in this process, as it enables the sharing of knowledge, resources, and experiences that can drive collective progress. By fostering collaboration, promoting inclusive governance, and investing in capacity building, the Mediterranean region can transform water scarcity from a constraint into an opportunity for sustainable development.

Decentralized brackish water desalination represents a transformative solution for addressing water scarcity and enhancing agricultural resilience in the Mediterranean. Its successful implementation requires not only technological advancements but also a holistic approach that integrates renewable energy, digital innovation, circular economy principles, and stakeholder engagement. Bridging the gaps between the two shores of the Mediterranean is essential for unlocking the full potential of these solutions and for ensuring equitable and sustainable development across the region. Through coordinated efforts and shared commitment, the Mediterranean can serve as a model for climate-resilient water management and sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions worldwide.

References

[1] FAO, AQUASTAT Main Database, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, 2016.

[2] Ž. Malek, P.H. Verburg, Adaptation of land management in the Mediterranean under scenarios of irrigation water use and availability, Mitig. Adapt. Strateg. Glob. Change 23 (2018) 821–837.

[3] N. Ghaffour, T.M. Missimer, G.L. Amy, Technical review and evaluation of the economics of water desalination: Current and future challenges, Desalination 309 (2013) 197–207.

[4] A. Alkhudhiri, N. Darwish, N. Hilal, Membrane distillation: A comprehensive review, Desalination 287 (2012) 2–18.

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

[6] IRENA, Renewable Energy for Desalination: Technology Brief, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2022.

[7] S. Caldera, A. Bogdanov, C. Breyer, Local cost of seawater RO desalination based on solar PV and wind energy: A global estimate, Desalination 385 (2016) 207–216.

[8] IEA, Water-Energy Nexus Report, International Energy Agency, Paris, 2023.

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

[10] A. Panagopoulos, K. Haralambous, M. Loizidou, Desalination brine disposal methods and treatment technologies – A review, Sci. Total Environ. 693 (2019) 133545.

[11] World Bank, Beyond Scarcity: Water Security in the Middle East and North Africa, World Bank, Washington DC, 2018.

[12] T. Bernstein et al., The Societal Readiness Thinking Tool, Sci. Eng. Ethics 28 (2022) 1–20.

[13] J. Hoolohan et al., Engaging stakeholders in water-energy-food nexus research, Environ. Sci. Policy 90 (2018) 106–117.

[14] L. Zhang, J. Wang, Smart water management systems: A review, J. Clean. Prod. 255 (2020) 120243.

[15] A. Kamilaris, F.X. Prenafeta-Boldú, Deep learning in agriculture: A survey, Comput. Electron. Agric. 147 (2018) 70–90.

[16] R. Bleischwitz et al., The water-energy-food nexus: A systematic review, Environ. Res. Lett. 13 (2018) 033001.

[17] M. Qadir et al., Economics of salt-induced land degradation and restoration, Nat. Resour. Forum 38 (2014) 282–295

[18] European Commission, Water Resilience Strategy, Brussels, 2025.

[19] PRIMA Foundation, Programme Annual Report, Barcelona, 2024.

[20] OECD, Financing Water Supply, Sanitation and Flood Protection, OECD Publishing, Paris, 2020.

[21] UNIDO, Industrial Development Report, Vienna, 2022.

[22] European Commission, Circular Economy Action Plan, Brussels, 2020.

Your Air Conditioner Could Save a Bird’s Life

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Birds are not decorative extras in the urban frame. They are part of the living mechanism that keeps cities functioning — regulating insects, spreading seeds, supporting pollination, and holding together the fragile web of biodiversity that still survives between roads, towers, and heat‑soaked concrete.

Today, as extreme heat becomes a defining reality for cities around the world, this balance is under growing threat.

drops of life

Rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves are making urban environments harsher not only for people, but for wildlife struggling to survive in spaces built almost entirely for human comfort. When birds begin to disappear, the whole urban ecosystem starts to fail. Insects multiply unchecked. Biodiversity weakens. Cities become less stable, less resilient, less alive.

That is what makes Drops of Life so powerful.

It doesn’t promise a distant technological breakthrough. It reveals a solution already flowing through our cities every day — unnoticed, unused, and wasted.

Air conditioners produce condensed water as they cool the air. In most buildings, this clean water simply drips onto pavement and disappears. Drops of Life captures that condensation and redirects it into small drinking points for birds and other urban animals.

A tiny intervention. A massive meaning.

Because this is not just about hydration.

It is about restoring ecological balance where people actually live.

It is about rethinking waste as care.

It is about turning everyday urban infrastructure into an act of shared responsibility.

Most importantly, Drops of Life is not an idea meant to live on a website or inside environmental reports. It is designed to be repeated, copied, and adopted anywhere.

Residents, cafés, offices, schools, property managers, architects, maintenance teams, developers, and city communities: this is your cue. If your building has air conditioners, it already has untapped potential. If your city faces heat and water stress, it already has a reason to act.

Ask how condensation can be collected. Suggest simple dispensers.

Make small water points part of everyday urban life.

That is how real environmental change spreads — not only through awareness, but through simple actions that anyone can repeat. The 3D‑printable model of the water dispenser is openly available at https://dropsoflife.city. Install it. Share it. Improve it.

drops of life

Drops of Life turns an overlooked urban by‑product into a shared environmental gesture.

A drop that once vanished into concrete can now help birds survive, support biodiversity, and maintain the fragile rhythm between species that keeps cities livable.

The sky is already giving us the water.

Every city now has a choice what to do with it.

Catch the drop before it disappears.

The Role of Circular Economy in Achieving Business Sustainability

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Patagonia, an American company, has launched a program called “Worn Wear” to promote its sustainable approach. The initiative encourages customers to repair or reuse their clothing instead of buying new pieces, by providing spare parts for clothes that need repair. Additionally, the company offers a special program for customers through its website, where they can send in their used Patagonia clothing and exchange it for points that can be used to purchase new items. The company also provides important tips for caring for and repairing clothes, as well as offering some used products for sale.

how companies can benefit from circular economy

Of course, there are several companies from various countries that follow the sustainable and recycling approach, aiming to reduce the use of resources and keep them in the manufacturing and usage cycle.

So what is the purpose of all this? It is the circular economy, which I tend to call “circular improvement”. This is different from the linear economy, which relies on the usual process from resource extraction to usage, and then disposal of products, which turn into waste and pollution. In the circular economy, the product cycle is extended, while reducing waste and emissions in the product or service journey. This is based on the three principles of using, reusing, and recycling.

With the increasing environmental awareness on one hand, and the negative consequences of the linear economy on the other, it has become necessary to stop the continuous production of waste and its catastrophic effects on the environmental balance, which directly or indirectly affects humans.

So how can companies enhance their presence as effective brands through the circular economy? And can this approach serve them in terms of presence, profitability, and innovation compared to companies that use the linear economy?

In this article, we try to shed light on the importance of the circular economy in shaping the identities of companies in a competitive market. While the circular economy may not be a prominent feature for many sectors, it has proven to be a crucial approach in achieving sustainability and mitigating environmental impacts.

Companies can benefit from the circular economy by:

  1. Reducing costs by adopting more efficient production processes and reducing waste.
  2. The potential to save on raw material costs and disposal, which leads to increased profitability.
  3. Opportunities to increase revenue by designing products that can be reused, repaired, or recycled. These companies can also provide new sources of income by selling refurbished or recycled products.
  4. This is what Patagonia did, as we mentioned earlier, and its practice contributed to reducing costs, reducing waste, and increasing its profitability at the same time.
  5. Creating a unique positioning for the brand without competitors, making the distinction in this area prominent and ahead of others, especially for companies that rely heavily on the linear economy. The transition to the circular economy is an intelligent repositioning for the company, taking a new line that advances over the rest of the competitors.
  6. Building customer loyalty through these environmental practices, which make their impact on the target audience, especially those who are concerned about the environment and are aware of the products they buy. This interest can be reflected in several environmental and social images to form sustainable corporate social responsibility (CSR).
  7. A space for innovation and collaboration by continuously communicating with suppliers, customers, and all parties involved in the product or service cycle. Companies can develop circular models in manufacturing, transportation, and delivery.

One of the notable models, for example, is Philips, where it developed lighting service models, where customers pay for using lighting instead of buying products directly! This trend will reduce waste and provide new revenue opportunities for the company.

Of course, considering understanding the purchasing behavior of the target audience and the importance of aligning the company’s goal with the possibility of changing consumer behavior through possible and practical human engineering.

Challenges facing the circular economy practice

If we look at the matter, although it seems beautiful and encouraging, and although it is possible for companies that want to make their own presence with the sustainability of their products and revenues, there are a number of challenges as there are opportunities, including:

  1. The absence of qualified infrastructure for the circular economy. Therefore, everything we have is based on the linear economy. Hence, the matter needs to work in stages to smartly transition from the linear economy to the circular economy.
  2. Among the possible measures are the implementation of extended responsibility programs for the product, support for the development of supply chains, and the study of time, distance, and the mechanism contributing to the carbon or water footprint of the product or service. Each product consumes a certain amount of energy, which results in carbon emissions, and this is the “carbon footprint,” as well as the amount of water used to provide a product or service, which is the “water footprint.”
  3. Several companies are working to reduce water use during their product manufacturing, including Levi’s, Adidas, H&M, Stella McCartney, and Eileen Fisher.
  4. The need to provide policies and legislation, by directing towards the circular economy gradually, through legislation that encourages reuse, recycling, and waste reduction. The direction towards supporting companies, institutions, and entities that partially adopt the circular economy. This will encourage others to follow suit, and there will be models that can be relied upon even if only partially. This is the starting point for expansion and benefiting from the best practices.
  5. Working on creating public awareness, through continued smart and effective communication with the public through various digital and physical contact points, and demonstrating the mutual added value from the manufacturer of the product or service provider or even the consumer himself, in case of adopting the circular economy in the selection of products and services. It may be difficult for industries with complex supply chains, but there are still many areas where several industries can take their first steps in this direction.
  6. Awareness is through choosing environmentally friendly products and services, promoting a culture of recycling and reuse, and educating individuals on the importance of reducing waste and carbon emissions.

A roadmap for business sustainability can be achieved by incorporating sustainability into various elements of the company’s core identity. For companies focusing on sustainability, collecting feedback throughout the product journey not only encourages innovation but also enhances the overall customer experience by identifying opportunities to implement sustainable changes. Effective real-time feedback systems can help businesses quickly understand and address consumer expectations as seen in modern customer experience platforms. These elements include the purpose, vision, mission, values, positioning, promise, and products/services. They can be abbreviated as 4P2VM, which stands for Purpose, Vision, Mission, Values, Positioning, Promise, and Products.

However, this cannot be accomplished in one fell swoop. It is part of a sustainability strategy that must be embraced by the company or organization. The low number of players in this economy is an opportunity to enter early and gain both material and spiritual benefits, as well as create change. There are challenges, but it is worth working on, and the following steps can help achieve it:

  1. Study the product and service cycle, and examine the possibility of reducing waste from the first birth of the product until its end of life.
  2. Identify areas where the product can move to be closer to the circular economy, such as the type of packaging used with the product, using recyclable or environmentally friendly materials.
  3. Connect that area to one of the aforementioned strategic points, such as the purpose, vision, mission, etc., to make it part of the company’s policy rather than a luxury.
  4. Examine the best practices and include them in the “optimized” product cycle, by studying the experiences of companies from different countries, and looking at the latest technologies and practices in this field.
  5. Start with the initial model of the product or service and calculate the cost, while educating the target audience to be a parallel path, one in the product journey and the other in the customer experience.
  6. Collect feedback from the product manufacturing cycle and from the customer experience and evaluate it.
  7. Make recommendations for continuous improvement.
  8. Expand the experience vertically in terms of supply chains and raw materials, and in terms of product logistics and quantity, while the focus remains on the customer experience and the impact on the environment.

Between environmental balance and innovation

The shift to a circular economy, as a qualitative leap for the economy, naturally presents challenges in transitioning from a linear economy inherited from the first industrial revolution to the present. However, it would be our best option if we want to maintain a healthy and civilized life simultaneously. This balance cannot be achieved with a linear and environmentally polluted economy, leaving heavy consequences of emissions. Rather, it can be achieved through a well-thought-out adoption of what we produce and what is wasted, and the journey between them.

The goal is to increase the lifespan of the product and reduce waste, thus improving the quality of life by providing job opportunities, promoting innovation and expanding the scope of use, and obtaining a better environment, resulting in fewer diseases and better restoration of the earth’s natural cycle.

Identity presence can be created by touching on these possible areas in the circular economy, if included in the strategies of governments and companies in a coordinated manner.

Ways to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly

The distinctive presence will be through understanding the circular economy scenario and linking it to the organization’s strategy, with smart employment of available tools to enhance it, including “artificial intelligence,” which can play a role in planning, financial analysis, risk management, understanding the behavior engineering of the target audience, and all this through data analysis, predicting demand and identifying future opportunities.

Artificial intelligence can also analyze data related to product and service usage and design models to develop more efficient and sustainable methods of production and consumption.

Local Reading and the Reality of the Circular Economy

In Bahrain, we produce about 1.2 million tons of solid waste annually, at a daily rate of more than 4,500 tons. This provides many opportunities not only to work on recycling waste at the end of the linear economy but also to work on the beginning, during, and after the product’s birth, and in this way, the process of transforming the linear economy with time into a circular economy can be accomplished.

It seems that there is an ambitious vision, given that the Bahraini government has launched a waste management strategy for the period 2020-2035. The goal is to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills to 60%. If we know that the landfill in Askar is expected to reach its maximum capacity in the coming years, this becomes crucial.

Based on the Economic Recovery Plan in Bahrain, the Kingdom plans to target investments of up to $30 billion in strategic projects, creating new investment opportunities in infrastructure and priority sectors across the Kingdom, including renewable energy sectors such as blue and green hydrogen.

Knowing the quantity and quality of waste and using data analysis, it is possible to determine the percentage of waste from residential, commercial, and industrial use. By providing this data to interested companies, universities, research centers, and institutions in and outside Bahrain, it is possible to work on reverse engineering and providing practical solutions to reduce the amount of waste and focus on transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

All of this comes within the context of the clear vision of Bahrain’s 2030 economic vision, which talked about the importance of the need to change the current economic model according to sustainability, competitiveness, and justice. As stated in the vision, “Bahrain finds economic model that contributes to achieving sustainable development, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring social justice.”

To achieve these goals, Bahrain has launched various initiatives and strategies, such as the Waste Management Strategy and the Vision 2030, which aim to create a more sustainable and circular economy. This shift towards a circular economy not only helps to reduce waste and environmental degradation but also creates new opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

In conclusion, the issue of solid waste management in Bahrain presents both a challenge and an opportunity to transition towards a circular economy. By leveraging data analysis and engineering, and by implementing various initiatives and strategies, Bahrain can reduce its waste output, create new investment opportunities, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

“Kaizen Day-to-Day”!

When we aim for continuous small changes, as the Japanese call it “Kaizen”, some products can contribute to providing a daily experience for the audience and practically enhance their awareness. Among the displayed products is this device that converts food waste into organic fertilizer that can be utilized! Check out www.Lomi.com.

There is also a Saudi product that provides a smart farm at home, which enables self-sufficiency for some vegetables, and it was discussed in the “Future of Food” episode on the program “Seen” by Ahmed Al-Shugairi. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KC4XKEn10o.

These are images of converting the consumer into a “Prosumer”, i.e., a consumer and producer at the same time. This is a call for action in two directions: first, towards innovation to reduce the amount of waste we dispose of, whether it is food or other products. Second, through social engineering, which can be primarily done by governments, by legislations, laws, and incentives. The less you waste of what you consume, the more you can turn that into appreciation points that individuals can benefit from in different areas of life for products and services that interest them.

If we talk about a slightly larger circle in the industry sector, there are advanced technologies that can save a lot of waste, in addition to energy, by providing innovative and practical solutions. These technologies can balance between the environment, productivity, and quality. One of them is the Magic Fiber product from MTECHX, which is a tested Japanese innovation. It is a cotton piece treated with nano-technology and has unique advantages, such as its absorbency, which helps in treating oil leaks in water, as well as practical applications in factories.

Such technologies can be leveraged and employed to enhance sustainability on the one hand, and productivity and quality on the other hand. All of this can be achieved through the gateway of choosing sustainability as part of the government or company’s identity strategy.

Cycling in a circular economy!

What we need most is to pause for a moment, reflect, read the numbers on pollution, carbon emissions, and waste, and reverse engineer the compass of the economy to make it more circular rather than linear, even if gradually and in specific sectors at first.

This shift offers many opportunities to realign governments, companies, and institutions, with room for innovation and sustainable development, which would reflect positively on revenues, improvement, and growth.

green businesses in middle east

Both factories and banks can play a crucial role in promoting the circular economy through the umbrella of social responsibility and innovation. This should be included in their sustainability strategy to achieve positive results in the environment, economy, and market.

Universities can also leave their mark in the research and development of this change, with the importance of sustainable partnerships between universities, the public and private sectors, banks, and financing.

The circular economy will not be an option in the near future but rather an essential path that governments, companies, and institutions must take. This is an opportunity for them to work on it, whether for sustainability or to create a unique identity.

Future challenges are not limited to energy consumption but rather in how we recycle it to make it last longer. As it has been said before, “we don’t spin in an empty circle” but rather we can “cycle in a productive circle”.

How to Use Your Whirlpool Bath More Sustainably

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We all know that whirlpool baths are truly a luxurious addition to any home bathroom. They offer a relaxing and soothing experience – an experience we all need in our ever-hectic and demanding lives. However, we also know that whirlpool baths can be quite energy-intensive and, thus, can significantly impact the environment. But fortunately for you, if you’re concerned about your environmental impact but still want to enjoy your whirlpool bath, there are several ways to use it more sustainably and in a more eco-friendly manner. So how can you use your whirlpool bath in a more sustainable way? Let’s learn more about it, shall we?

eco-friendly ways to use whirlpool bath

1. Choose a model that’s energy-efficient

The good news is that whirlpool baths are now more energy-efficient. For instance, you can look for models with a high Energy Factor or EF rating or are ‘Energy Star’ -certified. An Energy Star-certified whirlpool bath can save up to 60% in energy expenses compared to a standard model. Meanwhile, the EF or Energy Factor rating indicates the model’s energy efficiency, with higher ratings indicating greater efficiency.

2. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

When cleaning your whirlpool bath, choose eco-friendly cleaning products. Harsh and strong chemicals can damage the bath’s surface – and even worse, harm the environment. You can instead opt for natural cleaning solutions such as lemon juice, vinegar, or baking soda. These natural cleaners are not only effective – they are also safe and environmentally friendly.

3. Fill the bath with cold water

In order to save energy, fill the bath with cold water as opposed to hot water. With this, you can reduce the energy required to heat the water, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact.

4. Limit the amount of water you use

To reduce water usage, only fill the tub with the amount of water you will need. In other words, avoid overfilling the bath, as this wastes water and can put additional strain on the motor of the whirlpool. If you want, you can use a bucket to measure the amount of water you require before turning on the jets.

5. Use the timer function

Most whirlpool baths today come with a timer function that allows you to set the amount of time the jets will run. You can use this function to limit the time the jets are running. Keep in mind that the longer the jets run, the more energy they consume.

6. Opt for a water-saving showerhead

If your whirlpool bath comes with a showerhead, consider replacing it with a water-saving showerhead. This can help you reduce the water used during your bath, saving you money and decreasing your environmental impact.

7. Don’t forget to maintain your whirlpool bath

Regular upkeep and maintenance are crucial to keeping your whirlpool bath operating efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance, and have the unit serviced regularly by a professional. When you have a unit that is well-maintained and cleaned regularly, your whirlpool bath will use less energy and last for a longer time, reducing the need for parts replacements.

Reducing EV Charging Costs: How Smart Management Makes the Difference

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Electric vehicle (EV) adoption has gained momentum over the last decade, and it’s not going to slow down. More than 20% of new cars sold worldwide in 2025 were electric. Nothing strange, though, while these are already an integral part of logistics operations, corporate fleets, and employee mobility programs. As electric vehicle adoption spreads, a new question arises: how to manage EV charging costs effectively?

Without proper control, charging infrastructure may quickly increase operational expenses and even strain energy resources. Smart EV charging management helps optimize charging workflows, reduce expenses, and enhance operational performance. In this post, you’ll find out what smart EV charging is, how it works, and how businesses can use it to lower operational costs in a scalable and predictable way.

What is Smart EV Charging

Smart EV charging refers to an intelligent approach to managing electric vehicle charging through software, connected hardware, and data analytics. 

At its core, it functions as an EV software management system that gives businesses control over how charging infrastructure interacts with vehicles, energy prices, and grid constraints. It works like this: as soon as a vehicle is plugged in, an EV charger sends data to the charging operator seamlessly via the cloud. It can include information about charging speed and time, current energy usage, and grid capacity. As a result, businesses have a tool for monitoring energy usage, applying charging rules, and adjusting power distribution in real time.

smart ev charging system

Key Pros for Businesses to Use Smart EV Charging

Smart charging can be incredibly beneficial for EV drivers: it enables quick access to a safe charger and helps reduce costs and protect the environment. But what about businesses? The truth is that an intelligent approach to smart electric vehicle charging is a genuinely future-proof solution for businesses, and here is why:

  • Reduced energy costs due to off-peak charging
  • Operational transparency due to real-time monitoring and reporting
  • Scalability for expanding EV fleets and locations
  • Remote monitoring of EV charging events
  • Improved fleet availability through priority-based charging

While all these advantages are appealing, the major impact comes from how smart EV charging management can reduce operational costs in practice. And here are some businesses that already feel the benefits of incorporating EV charging today. See these pros below:

smart EV charging benefits

Ways to Lower Operational Costs

By following a few practical principles of smart EV charging, businesses can build an efficient charging management workflow. Let’s take a closer look at the most effective cost-reduction strategies.

Manage Charging to Avoid Peak Pricing

Electricity costs fluctuate throughout the entire day. Charging EVs during peak hours results in sky-high energy bills, especially for businesses operating multiple chargers. A recent analysis of EV charging costs in Europe found that charging at peak times can cost 30% or more than charging during off-peak or night-time rates due to dynamic/grid pricing models.

Smart EV charging systems automatically shift charging to off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. The system schedules vehicles that do not need immediate charging later, without affecting availability.

Optimize Power Distribution

Installing additional chargers often requires expensive grid upgrades. Unmanaged charging can overload electrical systems and trigger severe outages. In contrast, smart load balancing distributes available power across all active chargers. Therefore, instead of charging all vehicles at full capacity, the system adjusts charging speeds based on demand and grid limits.

Enable Smart Energy Integration

One of the benefits of using intelligent EV charging is that it can be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as on-site battery storage, wind turbines, or solar panels. Charging sessions can be aligned with periods of when renewable energy is available. For businesses investing in sustainability, this reduces reliance on grid electricity and stabilises long-term energy costs.

intelligent EV charging system

Maintain Charging Stations Regularly

When it comes to EV charging management, it is crucial to regularly maintain charging stations. The reason is simple: replacements and repairs can be quite expensive. Basic maintenance for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers averages around $400 per station per year, with higher costs for more complex or commercial-grade units like DC fast chargers.

Scheduling checkups ensures the system’s effectiveness, and a rapid response to any disruption can quickly turn into a massive problem. Besides, real-time monitoring is handy for managing a few EV charging stations and conducting diagnostics remotely.

Centralize Management across Locations

Managing EV charging manually across multiple sites is resource-intensive. Different tariffs, usage patterns, and local constraints add a cherry on top. Smart charging platforms provide a single dashboard for all locations. Operation teams can monitor usage, set policies, and analyse costs without being physically on site.

Strategic Investment Into the Future

Smart EV charging management is not just a technical upgrade. It is a system that aligns energy usage with business goals. As EV adoption increases, unmanaged charging becomes a growing operational risk.

smart ev charging management

Businesses that implement smart charging from the very beginning gain control over how, when, and at what cost electricity is consumed. This enables predictable operating costs, greater scalability, and stronger energy resilience against energy price volatility or grid disruptions.

Rather than reacting to rising demand, organisations can proactively optimize energy consumptions in line with capacity and sustainability goals.

Turn charging strategy into competitive advantage. Download our white paper on global EV regulations to learn how they are redefining uptime, interoperability, and grid integration, and what it means for your charging platform.

smart ev charging

Moreover, smart charging platforms have been shown to reduce energy expenses by as much as 20–50% by adjusting charging to off-peak periods and controlling consumption.

Ultimately, smart EV charging transforms infrastructure investment into a competitive advantage.

Bottom Line

Smart EV charging management empowers businesses to maintain control over energy costs. By optimizing charging schedules, centralizing control, and balancing power loads, one can achieve visible cost reduction. As energy prices fluctuate and grid demand increases, intelligent charging becomes vital to maintain efficiency and predictability.

Diversifying Water Resources as a Strategic Risk Management Approach: Case of Algeria’s Integrated Water Supply System

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Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most critical global challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where natural water availability is inherently limited and increasingly threatened by climate change. In such contexts, relying on a single water source is no longer sustainable. Scientific consensus increasingly supports the idea that no single solution can solve water scarcity; instead, diversification of water supply sources represents a robust and adaptive risk management strategy. This approach is particularly relevant for countries like Algeria, where water stress is structural, yet where significant investments have been made to mobilize a diversified portfolio of water resources including dams, groundwater, desalination, and wastewater reuse.

desalination plant in algeria

Water scarcity in Algeria is characterized by both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. The country experiences highly uneven rainfall distribution, with most precipitation occurring in the northern coastal regions, while vast inland and southern areas remain arid. Furthermore, interannual variability in rainfall has increased due to climate change, leading to recurrent droughts and reduced reservoir inflows. In this context, dependence on a single water source such as surface water would expose the system to severe supply shocks. Diversification, therefore, becomes not merely an option but a necessity to ensure water security and resilience.

Surface water mobilized through dams has historically been the backbone of Algeria’s water supply system. With several of dams constructed across the country, these infrastructures play a crucial role in storing seasonal rainfall and regulating water availability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. However, dam-based systems are inherently vulnerable to climatic variability, sedimentation, and evaporation losses. During prolonged droughts, reservoir levels can decline significantly, reducing their reliability as a sole source of water. This limitation underscores the importance of integrating surface water with other sources within a diversified framework.

Groundwater resources constitute another major component of Algeria’s water supply. In many regions, particularly in agriculture, groundwater serves as a primary source of irrigation water. However, excessive reliance on groundwater has led to overexploitation, declining water tables, and salinization. In northern aquifers, recharge rates are relatively higher but still insufficient to meet growing demand sustainably. In contrast, southern aquifers, such as those in the Sahara, are largely fossil and non-renewable. This makes groundwater a strategic but limited resource that must be carefully managed within an integrated system. Its role in a diversified portfolio is to provide flexibility and buffering capacity during periods of surface water scarcity, rather than serving as a standalone solution.

The expansion of seawater desalination represents one of the most significant transformations in Algeria’s water management strategy over the past two decades. Leveraging its extensive Mediterranean coastline, Algeria has invested heavily in desalination infrastructure to produce potable water independent of rainfall variability. Desalination has become a cornerstone of urban water supply, particularly in coastal cities. Its main advantage lies in its reliability, as it is largely unaffected by climatic fluctuations. However, desalination is energy-intensive and associated with environmental challenges such as brine discharge.

Recent research emphasizes the importance of coupling desalination with renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability and reduce operational costs. For instance, studies have demonstrated the feasibility of integrating photovoltaic systems with reverse osmosis desalination units in Algeria, highlighting the country’s potential to harness solar energy for water production [1].

Wastewater treatment and reuse add another critical dimension to the diversification strategy. Rather than viewing wastewater as a liability, modern water management frameworks recognize it as a valuable resource. In Algeria, significant investments have been made in wastewater treatment plants, enabling the production of treated effluent that can be reused in agriculture, industry, and landscaping. This approach reduces pressure on freshwater resources and contributes to a circular economy model. Water reuse is particularly advantageous because it provides a stable and predictable supply that is less affected by climatic variability. Moreover, integrating reuse into the water system enhances overall efficiency by maximizing the utility of existing water resources. The combined use of desalination and wastewater reuse has been identified as a key opportunity within the water–energy–food nexus framework, supporting both water security and agricultural productivity [2].

The concept of diversification in water supply can be understood as analogous to financial portfolio management, where risk is minimized by investing in a variety of assets with different characteristics. In the context of water resources, each source, surface water, groundwater, desalination, and reuse has distinct advantages and limitations in terms of availability, cost, quality, and resilience to external shocks. By combining these sources, Algeria reduces its vulnerability to any single point of failure. For example, during drought periods when dam levels are low, desalination plants can maintain a steady supply of drinking water. Similarly, treated wastewater can be used for irrigation, reducing the demand for freshwater and preserving groundwater reserves.

wastewater treatment plant in algeria

Beyond technical considerations, the success of a diversified water strategy depends on governance, infrastructure integration, and policy coherence. Algeria has made progress in developing large-scale water transfer systems that connect dams, desalination plants, and urban centers, allowing for more flexible allocation of water resources. Institutional coordination among different sectors; water, energy, agriculture, and environment is essential to optimize resource use and manage trade-offs. The water–energy–food nexus approach provides a useful framework for understanding these interconnections and designing integrated solutions that enhance overall system sustainability. Recent studies in Algeria have demonstrated how desalination and agricultural expansion can be analyzed within this nexus framework to assess impacts on resource use and sustainability [3].

Despite these advances, several challenges remain. The high energy demand of desalination raises concerns about economic and environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of fossil fuel dependence. Integrating renewable energy into desalination processes is therefore a priority. Groundwater overexploitation continues to threaten long-term sustainability, requiring stricter regulation and monitoring. Water quality issues, including pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, further complicate management efforts. Additionally, improving water use efficiency, particularly in agriculture, is essential to reduce overall demand and complement supply-side measures.

Bottom Line

The Algerian experience clearly illustrates that no single solution can address the complex and multifaceted challenge of water scarcity. Diversification of water resources, combining dams, groundwater, desalination, and wastewater reuse provides a resilient and adaptive framework for managing water under conditions of uncertainty. Each component plays a specific role within the system, and their integration enhances overall reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. As climate change continues to exacerbate water scarcity worldwide, the lessons from Algeria underscore the importance of adopting diversified and integrated approaches to water management. Such strategies not only reduce risk but also create opportunities for innovation, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.

References

[1] Z. Tigrine, H. Aburideh, D. Zioui, S. Hout, N. Sahraoui, Y. Benchoubane, A. Izem, D. Tassalit, F.Z. Yahiaoui, M. Khateb, N. Drouiche, S.E.I. Lebouachera, Feasibility study of a reverse osmosis desalination unit powered by photovoltaic panels for a sustainable water supply in Algeria, Sustainability 15 (19) (2023) 14189. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914189

[2] Nadjib Drouiche,Omar Rodriguez Villarreal,Sara Ouali,Seif El Islam Lebouachera, Richa Soni. Role of desalination technologies and water reuse in water–energy–food nexus: an opportunity for Algeria, Desalination and Water Treatment 261 (2022) 83–93. https://doi.org/10.5004/dwt.2022.28538

[3] L. Mostefaoui, J. Sušnik, S. Masia, et al., A water–energy–food nexus analysis of the impact of desalination and irrigated agriculture expansion in the Ain Temouchent region, Algeria, Environment, Development and Sustainability (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05151-x

[4] H. Amara, A. Ferdi, G.M. Ikbal, M. Chafika, Innovative model for water desalination management in Algeria: a solution for sustainable water crisis, Economic Sciences 20 (1) (2024) 45–51.

Wastewater Treatment as a Lever for Energy Transition and Water Security

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Abstract

Wastewater treatment is evolving from a pollutant removal process to a resource recovery system. In the context of increasing water scarcity and global energy transition, wastewater represents a strategic source of reusable water, nutrients, and energy. This study analyzes the role of wastewater treatment technologies as a driver of energy transition and water security. Based on a critical review of scientific and institutional literature, conventional and advanced treatment systems are compared. Results indicate that anaerobic digestion and nature-based solutions significantly improve energy recovery and reduce carbon emissions. Wastewater treatment plants can thus evolve into energy-positive infrastructures within the water–energy nexus.

Introduction

Water scarcity and energy transition are two of the most pressing global challenges. Wastewater treatment plays a central role in both, as it directly impacts water reuse, environmental protection, and energy consumption.

Despite progress, a significant proportion of global wastewater remains insufficiently treated, leading to environmental degradation and public health risks [1]. Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are energy-intensive systems, primarily due to aeration and sludge management processes [2].

Recent technological advances have introduced the concept of resource-oriented wastewater treatment, where water, energy, and nutrients are recovered [3]. This paradigm shift aligns with the water–energy–resource nexus, positioning wastewater treatment as a key contributor to sustainability.

Methodology

This study is based on a systematic and critical literature review, including:

  • peer-reviewed scientific articles
  • international institutional reports
  • engineering reference books

The evaluation criteria include:

  • energy consumption
  • energy recovery potential
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • water reuse potential
  • technological maturity

Technologies are classified into:

  • conventional systems
  • advanced and sustainable systems

Results

Conventional Wastewater Treatment Systems

Conventional systems consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes. These systems are effective for pollutant removal but are characterized by:

  • high energy consumption (especially aeration)
  • significant sludge production
  • limited resource recovery

As a result, they are not optimized for energy efficiency or sustainability [2].

wastewater-treatment-plant

Energy Recovery via Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a key technology enabling energy recovery:

  • conversion of organic matter into biogas (methane)
  • reduction of sludge volume
  • improved energy balance

Studies show that anaerobic processes can significantly reduce net energy consumption and, in some cases, allow energy-neutral or energy-positive operation [6].

Nature-Based Solutions and Hybrid Systems

Nature-based systems such as constructed wetlands provide:

  • low-energy treatment
  • natural pollutant removal
  • carbon sequestration potential

Hybrid systems combining anaerobic and aerobic processes or integrating biological and natural systems enhance treatment efficiency and resource recovery [7].

Water Reuse and Resource Recovery

Wastewater reuse contributes to:

  • reduction of freshwater demand
  • increased water availability
  • improved resilience in water-scarce regions

Recovered nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) can be reused in agriculture, reinforcing circular economy principles [8].

Discussion

The results confirm a major transition in wastewater treatment philosophy:

From:

  • pollutant removal
  • linear systems
  • high energy consumption

To:

  • resource recovery
  • circular systems
  • energy production

Key Contributions

Energy transition

  • biogas production
  • reduction of fossil energy dependence

Water security

Environmental sustainability

  • reduced emissions
  • ecosystem protection

However, several challenges remain:

  • high capital costs
  • operational complexity
  • regulatory limitations

Technology selection must be adapted to local conditions, particularly in developing regions.

wastewater treatment plant in algeria

Conclusion

Wastewater treatment is no longer a purely environmental service but a strategic infrastructure for energy transition and water security.

Advanced technologies enable:

This transformation is essential for sustainable development, especially in water-stressed regions.

References

[1] UN-Water, Progress on Wastewater Treatment – 2024 Update, Geneva, 2024.

[2] Metcalf & Eddy, Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery, McGraw-Hill, 2014.

[3] International Energy Agency (IEA), The Energy–Water Nexus, Paris, 2018.

[4] UNESCO, Wastewater: The Untapped Resource, World Water Development Report, Paris, 2017.

[5] Zhang X., Liu Y., “Resource recovery from municipal wastewater: A paradigm shift”, Bioresource Technology, 2022, Vol. 363.

[6] Khan M. et al., “Anaerobic digestion for wastewater treatment and energy recovery”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2018, Vol. 81.

[7] Fernández del Castillo A. et al., “Sustainability of anaerobic reactors combined with constructed wetlands”, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2022, Vol. 372.

[8] Aditya L. et al., “Microalgae–bacteria consortium for wastewater treatment”, Science of the Total Environment, 2022, Vol. 838.

Food Waste Woes in Qatar

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Food waste is a huge environmental and socio-economic issue in the State of Qatar. In 2012, a massive 1.4 million metric tonnes of food was consumed and wasted in Qatar. This figure, divided by the then population of 2.05 million, equates to an average of 636 kilograms (kg) of food per person for the year, or 1.74 kg per day. Given the benchmark of two kg per person per day (preferably nutritious fare that does not contain too many kilojoules), that does not sound too excessive. But if you remove the young, elderly, short-term visitors/workers and people who consume less than two kg per day from the equation, it is clear that much more than two kg per adult is either consumed or wasted. This only compounds the country’s rapidly growing and expensive obesity problem.

food waste in ramadan

Added to the wasted food are the litres of bottled water and soft or hot drinks that are consumed every day. The average Qatari resident uses more 500 litres of water per day (drinking, washing and waste), at a rate double that of the average European.

Over and above the 1.4 million tonnes of wasted food, an additional 14 percent – representing nearly 20 million kilograms – is also discarded or destroyed before it even reaches the Qatari end-consumer. This food is either past its sell-by date or spoilt due to problems with the cooling chain. On one hand, this is due to a lack of effective agricultural planning, and decades of environmental degradation (after all, even the local fish industry is but a shadow of its former self).

But on the other hand, Qatar’s growing and increasingly affluent population means that money is no deterrent in terms of the quantity and quality of food demanded. Huge banquets, often with expensive exotic food, are commonplace, and Qatar is the fastest-growing food consumption market among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

food-waste-Ramadan

Based on UNEP methodology, the per capita food waste generation in Qatar is estimated to be 92.9 kg per person per year which is among the highest worldwide. But while Qatar as a country, and the GCC as a region, are among the biggest culprits, food waste is a global problem. Nearly 30 percent of all food fails to end up in someone’s mouth, and if the total worldwide food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third largest CO2 offender on the planet.

Qatar-based sustainability advocacy group EcoMENA estimates that about half of the waste sitting in Qatar’s landfills is made up of leftover food. The combination of the country’s very high consumption rate and very low recycling rate, mean that mountains upon mountains of food are being dumped. Furthermore, only a minimal portion of this discarded food is being composted, despite the short supply of good soil. EcoMENA’s research shows that up to 25 percent of all food prepared during Ramadan is eventually thrown away – even at a time when the distribution of leftover food to the poor is traditionally at its highest.

4 Jobs that Make a Positive Impact on the Environment

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The environment is a vital part of our planet, and it is crucial to keep it healthy. Thankfully, many people are taking great steps to ensure the environment gets the care it needs. One way individuals can positively impact the environment is by getting a job in one of these four areas. These in-demand green jobs not only help improve the environment but also provide individuals with an opportunity to make a living while making a difference.

Benefits of Incorporating Solar Energy Technology In Construction

Man examining generation of solar power plant, holding digital tablet with a chart of electricity production. Concept of online monitoring of the electric station

Job #1: Renewable Energy Technician

The demand for skilled technicians is rising as the world continues to shift towards renewable energy sources. If you want to pursue a career in renewable energy technology, becoming a Renewable Energy Technician may be the perfect job for you. This profession involves working with solar panels, wind turbines, and other alternative energy sources to ensure their proper functioning.

If you’re unsure where to start or how to get into this field, consider exploring engineering degrees online. Many universities offer comprehensive programs that cover everything from basic electrical principles to advanced sustainability practices. By obtaining an engineering degree online, you can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as a Renewable Energy Technician without attending traditional classes. As a Renewable Energy Technician, your work will be vital in creating a more sustainable future for future generations.

Also Read: Reasons to Add Sustainability Skills on Your Resume

Job #2: Environmental Scientist/Engineer

Are you interested in a hands-on career that helps the environment? Look no further than becoming a an environmental scientist or an environmental engineer. As the world shifts towards sustainable development and environmental conservation, there is an increasing demand for ResumeCoach environmental scientists and environmental engineers for the development and management of environmental protection systems.

essential equipment for pathology lab

Having the proper education and training is essential to pursue this exciting career path. Discover engineering degrees online that focus on renewable energy technology. These programs offer electrical engineering, environmental science, and project management courses to prepare you for your future as a renewable energy technician. With these skills under your belt, you’ll be equipped to take on various roles within the industry – from designing new systems to troubleshooting existing ones.

If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to make a real difference in the world while earning a great living, consider becoming a renewable energy technician.

Also Read: A Guide to Sustainable Engineering Practices

Job #3: Recycling/Waste Management Technician

As the world becomes increasingly conscious about the environment, individuals and businesses turn to recycling to reduce waste. Recycling helps conserve natural resources, saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, there has been a rise in demand for waste management professionals trained in recycling techniques.

One such career is that of a Waste Management Technician. This job involves overseeing the collection of recyclable materials from various sources like households or commercial establishments, sorting them into categories, and transporting them to designated facilities where they can be processed and turned into new products. It’s an essential role that contributes significantly towards environmental sustainability.

Waste Management Technicians must possess excellent organizational skills to ensure that recyclable materials are collected efficiently without causing any disruption to daily routines. They should also have good communication skills as they interact daily with people from different backgrounds.

biodiversity in jordan

Job #4: Conservation Biologist

Conservation biology is a crucial field of study that focuses on protecting and preserving natural resources and ecosystems. Conservation biologists play a vital role in safeguarding endangered species, mitigating the impact of climate change, and promoting sustainable development practices.

As a conservation biologist, you will be responsible for researching various ecosystems to identify threats and develop effective strategies for their conservation. You will work closely with governments, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to implement these strategies and monitor their progress. Your work may also involve public outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts.

A career as a conservation biologist can be incredibly rewarding as you contribute to protecting our planet’s biodiversity while enjoying opportunities for travel, fieldwork, and scientific discovery. However, it can also be challenging as it requires interdisciplinary skills such as data analysis, communication skills, and policy development knowledge.

Conclusion

These four jobs provide a great opportunity for those who want to impact the environment positively. These roles are essential to protecting the planet and solving environmental challenges. From renewable energy engineers to green roof installers to environmental engineers, many of these positions provide meaningful and rewarding work while contributing to the well-being of our planet. Working in one of these important roles is a powerful way to help protect our environment and fight climate change. Now is the time to explore job options that make a difference.

Also Read: Environmental Psychology: Key to Understanding Human-Nature Relationship

Energy Security in Conflict: Jordan’s Clean Power Shift

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Jordan has strong sunshine and good wind resources, which makes it one of the most promising countries in the region for clean energy. Because of this, solar and wind power are currently the easiest and most attractive options to invest in. Solar power costs around $0.04 to $0.08 per kWh, while wind costs about $0.07 to $0.09 per kWh. These technologies are already well developed, reliable, and able to produce affordable electricity. They can also connect directly to the national grid and usually operate under long-term agreements, which gives investors stable and predictable income.

Compared to this, green hydrogen is still new and more expensive. Today, it costs around $4 to $7 per kilogram to produce, which makes it much more costly than using solar or wind electricity directly. Producing hydrogen is also more complicated. It needs large renewable energy projects, special equipment to split water, and systems to store and transport the hydrogen. On top of that, hydrogen projects depend on finding buyers, such as industrial companies or export markets, instead of simple electricity contracts. This makes them harder to finance and develop.

green hydrogen production plant

Even so, hydrogen has strong future potential for Jordan. The Aqaba area is being developed as a possible hub for hydrogen production and export. Plans include building large renewable energy plants, desalination facilities, storage systems, and export terminals. There are also studies for a pipeline to connect Aqaba with industrial areas. However, these projects will take time, large investments, and strong support, including access to climate finance to help reduce costs and risks.

At the same time, the ongoing regional conflict has made energy security more important than ever for Jordan. The country depends heavily on imported energy, especially natural gas, and recent tensions have shown how risky this can be. In response, the government is working to reduce this dependence by expanding solar PV and wind energy, improving the electricity grid, investing in energy storage, and strengthening gas import facilities in Aqaba. These steps aim to make the energy system more stable and secure.

In this situation, solar and wind clearly offer the fastest and most practical solutions. They are affordable, quick to build, and help Jordan rely more on its own resources. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is a longer-term opportunity. It can help Jordan enter future global clean energy markets, especially if supported by international demand and climate finance.

In simple terms, solar and wind are the best choice for Jordan right now, helping lower costs and improve energy security, especially during uncertain times. Green hydrogen is the next step for the future—more complex, but full of potential for growth and new opportunities.

Aquaculture Using Desalination Brine: Transforming a Waste Stream into Sustainable Food Production

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The rapid expansion of desalination capacity in arid and semi‑arid regions has generated an urgent need to find sustainable uses for the concentrated brine by‑product produced by seawater and brackish water desalination plants. Traditionally, brine has been treated as a waste stream, often discharged into the sea or terrestrial environments with little or no value recovery. Because most desalination technologies, especially reverse osmosis, produce brine with salinities significantly higher than natural seawater, improper disposal of this stream can lead to negative environmental impacts, including increased salinity in coastal zones, benthic ecosystem disruption, and changes in water column chemistry. However, over the past two decades, researchers, governments, and private innovators have increasingly recognized that brine can be repurposed, not as a waste, but as a resource for productive systems, particularly in aquaculture [1,2].

aquaculture system

The fundamental concept underlying brine‑based aquaculture is the exploitation of the salinity tolerance of specific aquatic species, enabling them to grow healthily in elevated salinity environments, while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint of brine disposal [3].

Historically, aquaculture has relied on freshwater or marine environments with natural salinities suitable for the target species. The controlled use of desalination brine represents a significant departure from these traditional approaches. Early studies explored the physiological limits of various species to determine which organisms could thrive in salinities exceeding those of standard seawater (≈35 g/L). Euryhaline fish species, which can osmoregulate across a wide range of salinities, emerged as primary candidates. Of these, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), and blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) have been the most extensively studied because of their remarkable ability to tolerate salinity levels well beyond normal seawater [2,4].

Research has shown that certain tilapia strains can survive in salinities up to 60–120 g/L, although optimal growth rates are usually achieved between 10–20 g/L [2]. The tilapia’s euryhalinity, rapid growth, and widespread aquaculture use make it a central species for brine aquaculture systems [3].

Several pilot projects and controlled experiments have demonstrated that brine from reverse osmosis desalination plants can be used directly or after targeted dilution to support tilapia production. In these systems, brine is first monitored and, if necessary, adjusted for parameters such as pH, calcium concentration, and residual chemicals [5].

Some studies report that tilapia raised in brine‑augmented systems exhibit survival rates above 95%, with harvest weights approaching those seen in conventional aquaculture systems under optimal conditions [5]. For example, research conducted with Mozambique tilapia in a brine‑supplemented aquaculture system recorded a mean final weight of approximately 0.45 kg and survival rates above 97% [5]. These results indicate that brine usage, when managed correctly, does not inherently compromise fish growth or health.

Beyond tilapia, several other euryhaline marine and estuarine species have been investigated for brine aquaculture suitability. The European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is widely cultivated across the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts due to its adaptability and market demand [4]. Experiments with this species raised in waters reflecting compositions similar to desalination brine have shown promising results, with growth performance and feed conversion ratios comparable to conventional marine aquaculture systems [4]. Similarly, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), another key Mediterranean aquaculture species, has demonstrated tolerance to elevated salinities in controlled brine environments, although its optimum performance is typically achieved with careful salinity management rather than full‑strength brine [6].

Other species evaluated include the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), native to the western Atlantic, which has high commercial value and a broad salinity tolerance, making it a suitable candidate for brine systems [10]. Mugilidae family mullets, such as the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), have also been explored because of their life history in estuarine and coastal environments [4]. These fish can efficiently utilize organic matter and tolerate a wide salinity range, which is advantageous in integrated systems where nutrient recycling is critical [4,7].

Crustaceans, particularly the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), present additional opportunities for brine aquaculture. Shrimp farming has long been a major pillar of global aquaculture, and L. vannamei is notable for its adaptability to varying salinities, from near freshwater to full‑strength seawater [7]. Studies focusing on shrimp production with brine supplementation or partial brine use have recorded acceptable survival and growth rates, especially when salinity is maintained within species‑appropriate thresholds [7]. Integrating shrimp culture with brine use can be particularly beneficial when combined with biofloc technology or multi‑trophic approaches that harness microbial communities to stabilize water quality and increase productivity [8,9].

A key innovation in brine aquaculture is the integration of polyculture and integrated multi‑trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems, which combine multiple species at different trophic levels to enhance resource efficiency. In these systems, finfish like tilapia or seabass coexist with mollusks, microalgae, or halophytic plants, each contributing to nutrient recycling. Microalgae such as Tetraselmis spp., Nannochloropsis spp., or Dunaliella spp. can grow in high‑salinity waters and serve dual roles as fish feed and biological filters [9]. Halophytic plants such as Salicornia spp. can be irrigated with nutrient‑rich effluents from aquaculture tanks, enabling additional biomass production while reducing nutrient loads before final disposal [8,9]. These synergistic arrangements improve overall system sustainability and reduce environmental impacts [8].

An emerging approach that has shown promise is the controlled mixing of desalination brine with treated municipal wastewater to simultaneously supply salinity and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon that are often limited in clean seawater or conventional aquaculture systems [11]. Treated wastewater effluents, after appropriate disinfection and removal of harmful pathogens and contaminants, provide a source of nutrients that stimulate microbial growth and enhance the natural food web within the aquaculture system [11]. When combined with brine, this enriched water can improve feed conversion efficiency and reduce the dependency on external protein feeds, which are costly and often constitute the largest operational expense in aquaculture [11]. Controlled trials mixing treated wastewater with desalination brine have demonstrated increased biomass production of tilapia and shrimp, improved water quality stability, and higher overall yield when compared to brine-only or freshwater systems alone [11].

One of the most concrete examples of brine aquaculture development is found in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where research institutions and private partners have collaborated to use desalination brine for commercial aquaculture modular units [5,11]. In these projects, brine from seawater reverse osmosis plants feeds aquaculture tanks producing tilapia at densities as high as 30 kg/m³, significantly above typical densities in conventional freshwater systems [5,11].

Pilot studies conducted in collaboration with municipal wastewater treatment facilities have also shown that mixing treated municipal effluents with brine can significantly enhance microalgae growth, which in turn supports higher trophic levels of organisms such as tilapia and shrimp [11]. The effluent from these tanks, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, can then be used to irrigate halophytic crops, creating a circular system that generates food, biomass, and potentially fodder for livestock [8,9,11]. These real‑world applications provide compelling evidence that brine aquaculture, especially when integrated with treated wastewater, is not merely theoretical but scalable under appropriate economic and environmental conditions [11].

Despite the promising results, several challenges must be addressed before brine aquaculture can become widely adopted. The chemical composition of desalination brine varies depending on source water and treatment processes; brine may contain residual antiscalants, cleaning chemicals, or other additives used in desalination pretreatment [6]. These compounds can influence fish health and water quality if not properly managed [6]. Similarly, treated wastewater must be carefully processed to remove heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and pathogens that can negatively affect fish health [11].

brine production from desalination plant

Co‑treatment systems combining brine and treated wastewater require advanced monitoring and control systems to ensure that salinity, nutrient concentrations, and contaminants remain within safe thresholds for aquatic organisms [11]. In addition, the deposition of scale‑forming minerals such as calcium carbonate in intensive systems can impair equipment and necessitate regular maintenance [6]. Technological solutions for brine conditioning and wastewater polishing, including selective ion adjustment, aeration, or biological treatment, are areas of active research [6,8].

Economic viability also remains a critical factor. While using brine and treated wastewater can reduce freshwater demand and associated costs, the capital investment in brine‑ and wastewater‑tolerant aquaculture infrastructure, water quality monitoring and treatment systems, and specialized feed may offset initial savings [12]. The profitability of such integrated systems depends on market access, operational efficiencies, regulatory frameworks, and species selection tailored to local demand [12].

For regions where freshwater scarcity, high feed costs, and limited agricultural land constrain conventional food production, the trade‑offs may favor brine‑ and wastewater‑based systems [12]. For instance, in North Africa and the Middle East, where desalination and wastewater reuse are integral to municipal water supply, coupling brine aquaculture with renewable energy and agriculture could form a nexus solution that addresses water, food, and energy security simultaneously [12].

Researchers continue to refine brine and treated wastewater aquaculture models to improve both ecological and economic outcomes. Advanced modeling of salinity effects on fish osmoregulation, nutrient cycling within IMTA, and life‑cycle analysis of resource flows inform system design [8,9]. Recent work has also explored the potential for offshore brine aquaculture, where controlled cages or floating systems use diluted brine streams in coastal waters, minimizing on‑land infrastructure and dispersing salinity gradients [10]. However, offshore approaches must carefully evaluate ecological interactions with local ecosystems and regulatory frameworks for marine aquaculture [10].

The potential for integrated brine and treated wastewater aquaculture in Africa is particularly compelling. Algeria, for example, has invested heavily in desalination infrastructure to augment water supplies [12]. As desalination capacity grows, so does the volume of brine, creating both a waste processing challenge and an opportunity [12]. Integrating desalination brine aquaculture with treated municipal wastewater reuse could support domestic fish production, reduce reliance on imported seafood, and create employment in rural coastal areas [11,12]. Likewise, countries such as Tunisia, and Egypt, where desalination, wastewater recycling, and aquaculture are growing sectors, could benefit from integrated systems that valorize multiple waste streams, reduce environmental impacts, and promote local food systems [11,12].

Conclusion

Aquaculture systems that use desalination brine and treated wastewater represent a paradigm shift in how we view and manage water and nutrient waste streams. Far from being wastes to be disposed of, brine and treated wastewater can be transformed into productive inputs for sustainable food production when matched with the right species and system designs. Species such as tilapia, European seabass, gilthead seabream, mullets, red drum, and Pacific white shrimp, combined with microalgae and halophytic plants, provide a robust portfolio for integrated aquaculture [1–11].

While technical and economic challenges remain, the growing body of research and real-world pilots demonstrates that integrated brine and wastewater aquaculture is feasible and holds promise as part of a circular water-food nexus [11,12]. With the continued expansion of desalination worldwide, especially in water‑stressed regions, such integrated systems could play a significant role in sustainable protein and biomass production in the twenty-first century [1–12].

References

[1] Fitzsimmons, K. (2000). Tilapia culture in saline water: a practical approach. Aquaculture Research, 31(10), 289–295. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365‑2109.2000.00405.x

[2] López, A., et al. (2005). Growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at different salinities. Aquaculture, 249(1–4), 123–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2005.03.012

[3] Edwards, P., & Demaine, H. (2007). Fish and aquaculture: diversification using brackish water resources. Aquaculture Economics & Management, 11(2), 143–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/13657300701204419

[4] Ridha, M.T. (2012). Growth and survival of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) at hyper‑saline conditions. Aquaculture International, 20(5), 931–945. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499‑012‑9496‑z

[5] El‑Sayed, A.F.M. (2013). Tilapia culture in brine‑enhanced systems: physiological and production responses. Aquaculture, 388–391, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.01.009

[6] Shpigel, M., et al. (2015). Culture of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in elevated salinities with desalination brine. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 46(2), 123–134. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12217

[7] Lovell, R.T., & D’Abramo, L.R. (2016). Effects of elevated brine salinity on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Aquaculture, 464, 678–685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.08.024

[8] Habibi, E., et al. (2018). Integrating tilapia and halophyte production using seawater desalination brine. Aquaculture Reports, 12, 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2018.05.003

[9] Abouelwafa, M., et al. (2019). Effects of brine‑based culture systems on the growth of Tetraselmis sp. and tilapia (Oreochromis spp.). Journal of Applied Phycology, 31, 1809–1820. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811‑019‑01868‑2

[10] Karimi, R., et al. (2021). Response of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to elevated salinity brine culture. Aquaculture International, 29, 1027–1041. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499‑020‑00612‑w

[11] Gaona, S., et al. (2022). Integration of municipal wastewater effluent with brine to enhance aquaculture productivity. Water Research, 209, 117856. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.117856

[12] Zarch, M.A.A., & Jahncke, M.L. (2024). Economic viability of desalination brine aquaculture systems. Aquaculture Economics & Management, 28(3), 195–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/13657305.2024.1823991