Research Priorities

The research core program aims for a better understanding of air and water pollution issues, and search for their solutions. The center of excellence in environmental studies (CEES) hopes to become an established center in environmental research. To achieve this goal, the center will concentrate on specific areas of research in air pollution, water pollution and solid waste treatment with the intention to expand research in new frontiers.

The center will perform and fund research proposals in these areas. However, preference will be given to proposals that comply to the following criteria

• Multidisciplinary character
• National and international collaboration
• Use of CEES resources
• Addressing specific local issues

Research Priorities of Air Pollution

Focus on the following research areas:

• Characterizing the levels and kinds of pollutants around the kingdom and ways of reducing them.
• The nature and source of pollutants.
• Characterizing the size distribution of particulates, emission and reduction.
• Capture, sequestration, and studies of interactions of major pollutants.
• Modeling and data interpretation.
• Health and environmental impact of PM and emissions.

Research Priorities of Waste Water Treatment

Integrated research projects are encouraged to focus research on one or more of the following areas:

• Wastewater generation, sources, characteristics, distribution, impact and related applicable reduction and treatment programs.
• Wastewater treatment reuse/ recycling using biological, physical and/or chemical technologies.
• Technologies suitable for removing heavy metals and hydrocarbons from industrial wastewaters.
• Physic-chemical and/or biological technologies for nutrient-rich (phosphorous and nitrogen) wastewaters treatment.
• Sludge treatment technologies and reuse.

Research Priorities of Solid Waste Management

The research core is new since the June 1, 2011 IAC meeting. Research projects that address issues unique to the KSA and Jeddah environment are encouraged in the areas:

1-Managing existing waste

• Characteristics, quantity, collection, transportation and land filling of solid waste studies.
• Gas and water emission characterization and reduction.
• Preservation of current aquifers.

2-Reducing new waste

• Composting and management of organic waste.
• Recycling and materials recovery.
• Waste to wealth technology.
• Legislation, policy and social study on waste minimization.