In 2021-2022, AASTMT contributed to SDG6 through its commitment to advancing education, research, and capacity-building in the water sector. This has been carried out through conducting internally funded (by AASTMT) research initiatives and international projects with relevant stakeholders related to water resources management and implementation of integrated water resources management strategies.
The project at AASTMT - AbuQir Campus addresses growing concerns about increasing pollution in aquatic resources and climate change affecting freshwater quality. This is particularly crucial for drinking, the food industry, and irrigation. Focusing on groundwater as a potential solution, especially in arid regions where it is the primary source, the project aims to enhance the irrigation and drinking water quality from 13 borehole ground wells at Abu Qir Campus, near Alexandria City's eastern shore. The project involves collecting and analyzing physical, chemical, and biological water samples to assess pollution regionally and temporally, correlating findings with environmental and climatic conditions. Nanotechnology will be employed to improve water quality. The AASTMT has fully funded the project, emphasizing the main objective of enhancing water quality through seasonal water sampling and subsequent improvements. The main objective of the project is:
The quality of water for irrigation is determined by the concentration and composition of dissolved elements. Assessing salinity or alkali conditions in irrigated regions requires careful evaluation of water quality. Key factors influencing the quality of irrigated water include total soluble salts (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), chemical concentrations of potentially toxic elements like Na+ and Cl-, and the presence of residual sodium carbonate or residual alkalinity (RSC or RA). Post-treatment results indicate a significant improvement in water quality, making it suitable for irrigation purposes.
Currently, a renewable, innovative & integrated water treatment unit is being developed to power a three-phase pump, serving the dual function of lifting water from a well and subsequently channeling it through a state-of-the-art four-stage nano-filtration system, thereby ensuring its purity and suitability for various applications, including cultivation and drinking.
For more information, and details on the project
The Aquaculture Research Center aims to pioneer new development projects in aquaculture by addressing scientific problems and providing tailored solutions. The center focuses on three integrated tasks: water, energy, and food.
The Environmental Monitoring, Modelling, and Training Research Facilities at AASTMT are advanced and fully- equipped facilities dedicated to a comprehensive study of environmental, energy, and climate change research parameters. Underground, postgraduate Students and faculty researchers conduct rigorous research in the sampling, analysis, and data interpretation. It fosters collaboration with national and international research institutions, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to encourage information exchange, generate solutions to global environmental issues, and promote sustainable practices within and beyond the AASTMT community. They carry out all environmental research studies and consultations as well as training. Sustainability has been at the heart of the Arab for a very long time. Our 2021-2026 strategic plan has dedicated one of its four main goals to sustainability, where The AASTMT commits to fulfill its societal responsibility and aligning itself to the SDGs. The research facilities support wastewater analysis and water quality studies. Some of the equipmet present:
President Professor Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag visited the agricultural plant nursery at the main campus of the Academy in Abu Qir to assess progress and recent developments. During the visit, he inspected newly added plants, as well as new irrigation systems implemented in the general area and new agricultural greenhouses. The President commended the nursery team for their efforts, especially in adopting modern agricultural and irrigation techniques. He expressed hope for continued efficiency and adherence to modern methods in their work.
Explore the The AASTMT New Irrigation Networks