Oded Nir

About

Prof. Oded Nir is a researcher at the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel (since 2017). He holds a BSc in Environmental Engineering from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, where he later completed his PhD thesis (2015) on advanced modeling of reverse osmosis, taking into account the complex interrelations between acid-base chemistry and ion-rejecting membranes. During his postdoc period in two world-leading membrane research groups in Belgium and Germany, Prof. Nir further specialized in membrane science and technology. Prof. Nir and his team are developing and modeling novel physicochemical processes for water treatment and resource recovery, including desalination. A central theme is developing ultra-selective solute separations by combining different membrane technologies, such as pressure-driven, electro-driven, and membrane contactors, with other processes like ion exchange and adsorption. These processes are sometimes integrated into a one-step process by developing mixed-matrix membranes containing sorbents or resins. A special focus is given to nutrient recovery – Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – from domestic and industrial wastewater. Research also spans the desalination of wastewater effluent, seawater, saline water, and brackish water, removing contaminants like PFAS from drinking water and effluent reuse through high-recovery nanofiltration. Beyond the classic water sector, Prof. Nir’s lab also works in the food sector, specifically on recycling growth media used in cell-based meat production and water treatment within recirculated aquaculture systems. The research emphasizes sustainable and economic processes through circularity – recycling water and chemicals within the process – and upcycling – converting waste into valuable and marketable products. A special focus is given to nutrient recovery – Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – from domestic and industrial wastewater. Prof. Nir co-authored over 50 research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and received several distinctions and awards for excellent achievements as an undergraduate student, graduate, and early-career faculty.