Israeli Scientists Develop Method to Combat Cyanobacteria Fouling Desalination Plants

Israeli scientists have achieved initial success in developing a method to remove cyanobacteria from seawater, aiming to restore the functionality of the country's Mediterranean desalination plants. The breakthrough comes after a significant bloom of these microorganisms, which began impacting operations on August 29, leading to reduced output and increased maintenance needs.

The research, conducted by teams from Ben-Gurion University and the Technion, focuses on addressing the challenge posed by the two-micron-sized cyanobacteria. These microbes pass through intake screens and release a sticky organic substance that clogs the reverse osmosis membranes used in desalination. This fouling increases system pressure, decreases water production, and necessitates frequent chemical cleaning, accelerating membrane wear.

Experiments are currently underway at the Ashdod desalination facility. Professor Ido Bar-Ze'ev reported that initial tests showed a significant reduction in water turbidity after treatment, allowing equipment to operate. "We conducted experiments until deep into the night," Bar-Ze'ev stated, noting the transition from laboratory trials to a full-scale test at the Ashdod plant. He cautioned that it is too early to declare complete success, emphasizing the need for further evaluation before widespread implementation.

The scientists are utilizing existing chemicals employed in desalination facilities, avoiding the introduction of new components. They are verifying that no residual additives remain in the treated water, with Bar-Ze'ev assuring that any trace substances would not enter the drinking water supply. The research is a collaborative effort involving the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University, and the Technion, with key researchers including Professors Ido Bar-Ze'ev and Adi Radian, and Doctors Paz Nativ and Naama Lang-Yona.

Meanwhile, the Ashdod desalination plant, which was the first to halt operations on August 27, is preparing for a partial restart. The Hadera plant continues normal operations, while Sorek-1, Sorek-2, Ashkelon, and Palmahim are functioning at reduced capacity. The widespread issue has prompted the Water Resources Administration to order the purchase of replacement membranes, a process expected to take approximately three months. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen estimated potential damages in the tens of millions of shekels, and the Water Resources Administration has already increased the purchase price of desalinated water to offset equipment wear, with costs likely to be passed on to consumers.

Despite the challenges, Energy Minister Eli Cohen assured that the water supply system can meet all citizen needs, stating, "We are in a crisis situation, but there has been no shortage of water in any home in Israel." To compensate for reduced desalination output, Mekorot, the national water company, has increased extraction from wells nationwide. The cyanobacteria bloom is believed to have originated from the Nile Delta in Egypt, carried to Israel by currents. The bloom is expected to persist due to a lack of strong winds to alter current patterns in the near future.