EUROMED 2008: Desalination Cooperation among Mediterranean Countries of Europe and the MENA Region

This is the fifth conference in the EuroMed series and the eighth in the Mediterranean region which provides an excellent forum for professionals, scientists and technologists in all aspects of water desalination, to meet and to exchange their ideas and experiences, and to update their knowledge of latest developments in the various aspects of water desalination. The theme “Desalination Cooperation among Mediterranean Countries of Europe and the MENA Region” was chosen to offer the chance to discuss key elements underlying the policies and strategies governing the optimum use of the various desalination technologies in the region to provide water, an essential ingredient for peace in the region.

Around the Mediterranean there is a growing awareness of increasing demand for water while the natural supply is increasingly limited. The situation of the southern countries is dramatically more serious with rapidly increasing populations and much lower rainfall. Different techniques can be used to supplement natural water. Desalination technologies can make potable the brackish and sea water which are available in these regions.

Cooperation between countries of Europe and the southern rim of the Mediterranean, Middle East and the Gulf countries is essential. In this conference, attention will be focused on the possibility of producing water by desalination for the region in a sustainable manner and at a cost that people can afford. The conference will overview the most recent developments in desalination technology, its cost and extent of application including socio-economic and environmental issues. Concern about the environmental impact of desalination has grown and an increasing number of studies is being made.

Topics will include:
– Water demand in countries of the MENA region
– Desalination and the environment
– State of the art of desalination and water purification processes
– Seawater thermal and membrane processes
– Brackish water desalination
– Wastewater treatment
– Desalination and water resource management
– Energy recovery technology
– Pre-treatment and post-treatment
– Post-treatment of desalinated water
– Brine disposal and removal of specific compounds
– Fouling and scaling and material selection
– Financing – public and private

DEADLINES:
Abstracts : April 20, 2008.
Notification of acceptance: May 20, 2008
Papers: July 20, 2008