Sustainable Campus Initiative

Sustainability Action Project Proposal

College: Abu Dhabi University

Title: Hydrophobe-S

Team Members:

Huda Hasan Siddiqui

Jumana Junis Baker
Mohammad Ahmmed Shabib Talukder

Sustainability Coordinator: Dr. Jolly Jacob

Project Objectives/Benefits: Reduce the consumption of water in commodes of public

restrooms

Sustainability Action Project description:

Normal commodes will be replaced with the Hydrophobe-S, comprising of two major

elements: a superhydrophobic commode surface and an air pump chamber to prevent

clogging. By using Hydrophobe-S, the use of water in flush would be completely eliminated,

thereby reducing water usage drastically. The building piping would be used as is; since the

air pump would push waste through the already available sewage pipes. The objective would

be to present a prototype to get the approval from the government for a pilot project at a

public restroom, where traditional commodes will be replaced with the Hydrophobe-S.
Project Scope: Public restrooms across Abu Dhabi, which include restrooms in petrol

pumps, malls, and parks and eventually, private restrooms including households, schools, and

universities.

Key Constraints: Governmental approval, conditions to develop superhydrophobic material,

molding of superhydrophobic substrate in commodes, surface erosion and longevity of

superhydrophobic surface, replacement of traditional commodes, efficient pump system to

maintain vacuum without leaks for a long period of time.