Prof. N. Weisbrod

Department Head

The Department of Environmental Hydrology & Microbiology promotes the advancement of research into the identification, quantification and improvement of water quality in arid zones.

Activities within the department are aimed at studying and developing water resources in desert basins with scarce hydro-geological information, with particular emphasis on developing methods for the treatment, reclamation and remediation of water in arid regions.

The multi-disciplinary academic staff consists of hydrologists, hydro-geologists, hydro-biologists and hydro-chemists, pursuing research into water resources at the field, laboratory and theoretical model levels. The ultimate goal is to propose and evaluate methods for development and optimal utilization of limited water resources.

The department encourages the development of theoretical and technological models from the computerized, laboratory level to the field operational level. Therefore, the department is establishing an Artificial Aquifer Laboratory for research into flow and transport in groundwater.

Research topics in the department include:

Identification and quantification of sources of groundwater recharge

• Calculation and quantification of sub-surface flow and transport mechanisms

• Remediation of water and soils using biotechnology

• Transport of contaminants to and within groundwater reservoirs

• Biological treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater

• Optimization of water production and transfer systems

Future development program

The department's future development program focuses on research into increasing available groundwater resources and improving water quality. New academic disciplines will be developed, including environmental isotope hydro-biology; water policy, economy and management.

Future development will emphasize the following active research disciplines:

• The ecology of flow systems in aquifers and underground water reservoirs
• Groundwater collection and enhancement
• Biological treatment of industrial and domestic effluents, and up-scaling of laboratory scale treatment processes
• Management of regional and international trans boundary groundwater reservoirs