Membrane desalination technology in Algeria: Reverse osmosis for coastal areas

Abstract

Algeria is one of the countries of the Mediterranean basin that faces different problems related to water scarcity, deserted hydric resources, management of natural resources, and climate change as the rate of precipitation is very unstable. Water desalination is practically the unique solution for the Mediterranean countries and Middle East and North Africa region to deal with the growing water scarcity. The climate of Algeria is known for its diversity and interannual rainfall variability. However, different programs were launched and efforts are being made to find an alternative solution. Brackish and seawater desalination can provide an inexhaustible source of freshwater in coastal and semiarid areas. In Algeria, desalination plants operate using nonrenewable energy sources which require a large share of generated electricity. Desalination techniques based on membrane separation have seen a big development. They seem to be very powerful tools for the treatment and recycling of fluids for the goal of “zero waste.” This process is used for removing salt and other effluent materials from water molecules. The present work reveals the different seawater desalination facilities and demineralization plants implanted in Algeria and the major technical problems they encounter when they are operational. Reverse osmosis desalination technology is suitable in Algeria in terms of market share where membrane separation allows to couple water treatment and valorization.