Qatar U. and ExxonMobile Advance Algal Wastewater Treatment

The Algal Technologies Program at Qatar University and ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ) have collaborated to advance biological technology for treatment and recycling of industrial wastewater using native algal species. The benefits of this cooperation, the partners say, can help support Qatar’s water security and economic diversification through the production of algal-based products.

Building on a longstanding relationship, their research centers are working together using microalgae strains native to the State of Qatar, which are best able to thrive under the prevalent environmental conditions. Other goals of the partnership are knowledge sharing, as well as creating opportunities for postgraduate studies and capacity building for local researchers earlier in their careers.

“Our collaboration with EMRQ is very valuable to us, and we are happy to be working together with them on this important topic. Through such alliances with industry partners, we can work to implement the technologies we develop and help address the environmental challenges of the State of Qatar,” said Project Leader and Manager of Innovation and Intellectual Property at Qatar University, Dr. Hareb Al Jabri.

“Microalgae are a proven and efficient alternative to mechanical wastewater treatment systems and can provide good quality treated water and benefit the environment,” said Dr. Suhur Saeed, Program Research Lead for Water Reuse for EMRQ. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and friendship, plus demonstrating that our technology achieves solutions to environmental challenges for Qatar.”