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Saltwave

Part 2 Project 2024
Ahmed Ammar
American University of Sharjah | UAE
This project explores the future of desalination and biosaline agriculture on the coasts of desert regions. Desalination, vital for producing fresh water from seawater, currently has high energy demands and harmful brine by-products. Biosaline agriculture, however, sustainably grows plants in saline soils. This project envisions a future where desalination is more efficient and environmentally friendly, using sustainable energy sources like solar or wave power.

Rather than discarding brine, the project integrates it into the environment. The brine crystallizes in the hot climate, protecting machinery and drawing moisture from the air, which continues the water filtration process. Over time, the crystallized brine forms durable structures for building materials, promoting sustainable construction.

The facility’s runoff supports the growth of salt-tolerant plants and common crops, fostering vegetation in the harsh desert. This integration enhances local biodiversity and transforms the landscape.

Long-term, the project envisions a self-sustaining system where the infrastructure becomes part of the landscape, providing fresh water and building materials. Acting as a prosthetic, the project aims to heal and extend the desert landscape, creating new grounds for future development and ecological resilience. This innovative approach could revolutionize desalination, making it more sustainable and beneficial for the environment.

Ahmed Ammar

Tutor(s)

2024
• Page Hits: 58         • Entry Date: 15 August 2024         • Last Update: 15 August 2024