Abstract

This research project aims at investigating the performance of hydroponic nutrient solutions as draw solutions for desalination using the fertilizer drawn forward osmosis (FDFO) process. Six different lettuce and leafy greens hydroponic nutrient stock solutions were prepared according to the literature and used in this study and tested on a bench-scale forward osmosis unit as draw solutions for the process. The feed solutions for the process was de-ionized water mixed with Sodium Chloride in different concentrations to represent different salinities of brackish groundwater. The draw efficiency of each solution was measured based on water flux, reverse solute flux, water recovery, and salt rejection. This research project aims at reaching an efficient nutrient solution that would be economically feasible to be used in hydroponic agriculture of leafy greens, in non-arable areas which have access to brackish groundwater or seawater. By achieving this goal and developing a model for implementation, the burden that is currently being exerted on freshwater resources by inefficient agriculture in Egypt will hopefully be diminished, which would provide more drinking water. It was concluded that of the six tested nutrient solutions, the “Resh Florida, California (RF)” solution is the recommended solution to be used as draw solution for fertilizer drawn forward osmosis, due to its high performance in terms of water recovery (35.1 ml) & flux (11 l/m2/h), salt rejection (92%) & specific reverse solute flux (SRSF) (highest recorded SRSF for a specific ion (SO42-) was 7.3 g/l), as well as its low cost, relative to the other highly performing draw solution “Chekli (CHE)” ($1.07/l vs. $3.73/l). Future research endeavors could be directed at experimenting with other hydroponic nutrient solutions, experimenting with different types of membranes, testing the same solutions from this research on the pilot-scale, performing a life cycle analysis of the membrane after operation, and using the resultant draw solution from this process to grow crop hydroponically.

Department

Center for Applied Research on the Environment & Sustainability

Degree Name

MS in Sustainable Development

Graduation Date

Winter 1-31-2021

Submission Date

1-25-2021

First Advisor

Hani Sewilam

Committee Member 1

Essam Shaaban

Committee Member 2

Yehia El Shazly

Committee Member 3

Peter Nasr

Extent

76 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Additional Files
Proof_of_IRB_Waiver_-_Mohamed_Bassiouny.pdf (679 kB)
IRB waiver form, Mohamed Bassiouny Abu Qersh
Mohamed_Abu_Qersh_Thesis_Title_and_Approval_Page_2.pdf (1751 kB)
Signature page, Mohamed Bassiouny Abu Qersh
receipt_Thesis Submission January 2021 (1).pdf (297 kB)
Turnitin receipt, Mohamed Bassiouny Abu Qersh
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