Ph.D. students enrolled in the “Processes in Environmental Biotechnology” course at the KAUST University embarked on an enriching visit to the Wastewater Treatment Plant managed by Facilities Management. During the visit, they immersed themselves in the actual production processes and linked these to their ongoing semester chapter. Under the guidance of Professor Pascal Saikaly and accompanied by Mr Murali Dharan, the students explored the stages involved in wastewater treatment, further enhancing their understanding of the subject matter.
The visit provided an exceptional opportunity for the students to gain firsthand knowledge of KAUST’s impressive Wastewater Treatment Plant. Renowned for its utilization of membrane bioreactors technology, the plant has the capacity to treat an astounding 11,500 m³ of domestic wastewater per day. The treatment process produces a high-quality treated sewage effluent that meets international quality standards and is utilized for irrigation purposes at KAUST, contributing to sustainable water practice.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant has a daily average production of 4,100 m3 of treated effluent.
The operation of the plant is carefully monitored and controlled through a combination of Automatic/Manual PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems, accessible via the HMI/SCADA (Human Machine Interface/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) setup in the Control Room. This state-of-the-art control system ensures seamless operation and maximizes the efficiency of the treatment processes.
During the visit, Mr Murali Dharan, Water Treatment Maintanence Lead at Facilities Management, an expert in wastewater treatment, served as a knowledgeable guide, providing detailed explanations of each stage of the treatment process. The students had the privilege of witnessing the operations firsthand, gaining valuable insights into the implementation of membrane bioreactors technology and the intricacies of water treatment at a large scale.
The immersive experience at the Wastewater Treatment Plant served as a catalyst for lively discussions among the students, who actively engaged, posing thought-provoking questions and discussing potential research avenues. The visit provided a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of innovative approaches to address environmental challenges.
The Ph.D. students left the Wastewater Treatment Plant with a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved in wastewater treatment, bolstering their academic progress and fostering their passion for environmental biotechnology. Armed with newfound knowledge, they are poised to make significant contributions to the field, driving sustainable solutions and addressing pressing environmental concerns.
KAUST University’s commitment, in collaboration with KAUST Facilities Management, to providing practical learning experiences supported by industry professionals and advanced infrastructure ensures that students receive a holistic education that prepares them to tackle real-world challenges. The visit to the Wastewater Treatment Plant stands as a testament to KAUST’s dedication to fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of environmental biotechnology leaders.
