Drinking water production and distribution, innovative microbial monitoring of distribution networks, and growth of pathogens.
Seawater desalination, biofouling of NF/RO membranes, control strategies: prevention and cleaning
Advanced imaging techniques for biofilm monitoring, In-situ non-destructive studies on biofouling processes in Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane systems.
Methods of testing for physical, chemical and biological parameters in water samples
Selected Publications
Cartridge filter selection and replacement: Optimization of produced water quantity, quality, and cost N.M. Farhat, C. Christodoulou, P. Placotas, B. Blankert, O. Sallangos, J.S. Vrouwenvelder Desalination, Vol 473, p 114172, (2020)
Role of feed water biodegradable substrate concentration on biofouling: Biofilm characteristics, membrane performan... N.M. Farhat, L. Javier, M.C.M. Can Loosdrecht, J.C. Kruithof, J.S. Vrouwenvelder Water Research, volume 150, pp. 1-11, (2019)
Impact of membrane biofouling in the sequential development of performance indicators: Feed channel pressure drop, ... N. Siebdrath, N. Farhat, W. Ding, J. Kruithof, J.S. Vrouwenvelder Journal of Membrane Science, (2019)
A uniform bacterial growth potential assay for different water types N. Farhat, F. Hammes, E. Prest, J. Vrouwenvelder Water Research, volume 142, pp. 227-235, (2018)
Application of monochloramine for wastewater reuse: Effect on biostability during transport and biofouling in RO me... N.M. Farhat, E. Loubineaud, E.I.E.C. Prest, J. El-Chakhtoura, C. Salles, Sz.S. Bucs, J. Tr... Journal of Membrane Science, volume 551, pp. 243-253, (2018)
Effect of water temperature on biofouling development in reverse osmosis membrane systems N.M. Farhat, J.S. Vrouwenvelder, M.C.M. Van Loosdrecht, S.S. Bucs, M. Staal Water Research, Volume 103, pp. 149-159, (2016)
Spatial heterogeneity of biofouling under different cross-flow velocities in reverse osmosis membrane systems N.M. Farhat, M. Staal, S.S. Bucs, M.C.M. Van Loosdrecht, J.S. Vrouwenvelder Journal of Membrane Science, Volume 520, pp. 964-971, (2016)
Development of a setup to enable stable and accurate flow conditions for membrane biofouling studies S.S. Bucs, N.M. Farhat, A. Siddiqui, R. Valladares Linares, A. Radu, J.C. Kruithof, J.S. V... Desalination and Water Treatment, (2015)
Early non-destructive biofouling detection and spatial distribution: application of oxygen sensing optodes N.M. Farhat, M. Staal, A. Siddiqui, S.M. Borisov, S.S. Bucs, J.S. Vrouwenvelder Water Research, volume 83, 10-20, (2015)
Education
Ph.D., Environmental Science and Engineering, KAUST, Saudi Arabia, 2016
M.Sc., Environmental Science and Engineering, KAUST, Saudi Arabia, 2011
B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon, 2008
Professional Profile
2020-Present: Research scientist, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
2015-2019: Postdoctoral fellow, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
