A group of mechanical engineering students at the University of Adelaide in Australia have developed a low-cast water purification system capable of killing harmful bacteria. The solution was designed keeping in mind the isolated communities of Papua New Guinea, where water is especially susceptible to bacterial infestation.
This water purifier runs the water through a piece of piping coated in reflective material. This material directs sunlight onto the water and uses its radiation to kill off pathogens. In tests, the system reduced high amounts of E-coli to undetectable levels in less than half an hour.
The system can purify nearly 40 liters of water in just four hours. It is designed to be modular, so modules can be added or removed depending on the quantity needs. Importantly, it is also quite cost-effective, costing $60 per unit.
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Trend Themes
1. Low-cost Water Purification - The development of inexpensive water purification systems presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the water treatment industry.
2. Solar Radiation Technology - The use of solar radiation to kill bacteria in water opens up opportunities for sustainable and energy-efficient purification methods.
3. Modular Water Purification Systems - The development of modular water purification systems provides flexibility and scalability for various water treatment needs.
Industry Implications
1. Water Treatment - Innovative low-cost water purification systems can disrupt the water treatment industry by providing effective solutions for isolated communities and reducing the cost of clean water access.
2. Renewable Energy - The integration of solar radiation technology in water purification systems presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the renewable energy industry by combining clean energy with clean water solutions.
3. Modular Manufacturing - The production and implementation of modular water purification systems offer disruptive potential for the manufacturing industry, allowing for customizable and scalable solutions to address different water purification requirements.