Al-Ahliyya Amman University has demonstrated pioneering leadership in sustainable innovation through a transformative, multi-year initiative addressing Jordan’s critical water scarcity challenges. Understanding the strategic importance of water sustainability to national resilience and agricultural security, the University mobilized its academic, scientific, and innovation resources to design scalable, environmentally friendly solutions that meet both local and regional needs. This initiative exemplifies the University’s role as a catalyst for impactful societal change and its commitment to applied research excellence.
At the core of this project, Al-Ahliyya Amman University led an interdisciplinary research effort to develop low-cost, biodegradable adsorbent materials for water purification, leveraging waste-derived resources such as fruit peels, vegetable residues, tree leaves, and chitosan. The project advances key global sustainability targets, particularly Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). Researchers employed green chemistry methodologies, avoiding hazardous substances and prioritizing safety for human health and the environment.
Using advanced scientific optimization techniques, including the Box-Behnken Design, the research teams were able to fine-tune process parameters and maximize pollutant removal efficiency. The resulting materials demonstrated the ability to remove over 90% of industrial dyes from wastewater, with adsorption capacities surpassing 600 mg per gram benchmarks that position the University’s work at the forefront of sustainable water purification technologies. The physical mechanisms underlying these successes, such as electrostatic attraction and enhanced surface area interactions, reinforce the robustness and reliability of the developed solutions.
True to its mission of fostering real-world impact, Al-Ahliyya Amman University transitioned its research achievements into practical implementation. Pilot studies were successfully conducted in the University's greenhouses and livestock farms, utilizing treated water for agricultural irrigation and animal hydration. These trials confirmed the practicality, safety, and environmental compatibility of the technologies under operational conditions, laying the foundation for broader sectoral adoption. This field application approach ensures that the University's research contributes immediately to national priorities and community well-being.
Furthermore, Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre is actively steering the project toward commercialization. Plans are underway to establish startups and promote local manufacturing capabilities, enabling the production of eco-friendly adsorbent materials at scale. By linking scientific innovation to market mechanisms, the University seeks to stimulate green job creation, attract private sector investment, and embed sustainability principles within Jordan’s economic development strategies.
This project’s interdisciplinary integration of environmental science, chemical engineering, biotechnology, and agricultural technology exemplifies Al-Ahliyya Amman University's commitment to holistic, impactful research. It also reflects the University’s strategic vision to act as a regional hub for sustainable technology innovation, with future plans to replicate the model across neighboring countries experiencing similar environmental pressures.
Through this initiative, Al-Ahliyya Amman University affirms its position as a leading driver of sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and societal innovation. The project not only delivers cutting-edge scientific solutions but also embodies the University's broader mission to translate knowledge into action, empowering communities, industries, and nations to build a more resilient, sustainable future.
