Researches in the lab of Prof Pascal Saikaly are developing microbe-driven electrochemical systems that turn urban wastewater into reusable water, hydrogen fuel and valuable nutrients—solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s goal to raise water reuse from 25 % to 70 % by 2030.
“Microorganisms are among the most diverse and prolific organisms on the planet, and many of them can remove pollutants from waste and generate fuels and chemicals as part of their natural metabolism,” says Pascal Saikaly.
Pilot reactors built around microbial electrolysis cells and platinum-coated polymeric hollow-fiber membranes are now treating real sewage on site, while companion technologies capture CO₂ or bundle aerobic granular sludge with gravity-driven membranes for compact, low-energy operation. These advances promise decentralized, energy-neutral reuse systems for the 40 % of Saudi households still off the centralized grid.