Technology for securing drinking water is a frequent topic in the weekly news. After all, it is one of humanity’s most pressing needs on an increasingly polluted and overpopulated planet. There are many options there. desalination plantsterilizing compounds such as iodine and chloride, osmotic filters…but some of them can be cost-effective and power-consuming. Therefore, research into improved technologies is an ongoing process. am.
Evaporation water purificationThis process can remove solid particles (heavy metals, salts and other contaminants). However, to do this, the water must be heated, which requires a lot of energy in the process. This involves expensive optical systems that concentrate power or sunlight. Still, let’s imagine for a moment that sunlight alone can evaporate a ton of water. His Guihua Yu, an associate professor of materials science and mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, has found a solution. The key lies in a hybrid gel-polymer material that allows the process to run at ambient temperatures. Dr. Yu and his research team innovative technology in the journal nanotechnology in nature .
The polymer materials they developed combine hydrophilic and semiconducting properties. The former allows the gel to absorb water, while the latter enhances the absorption of sunlight. To make it work, place the material on the surface of the water and start producing steam while exposed to the sun’s rays. This vapor can be directed towards the condenser unit. The efficiency of this technology allows you to purify 25 liters per square meter of material. In fact, tests conducted in the waters of the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, yielded WHO-compliant results. drinking water standard. Another advantage of the patent-pending system is that it can be retrofitted to existing systems. desalination plant No need for large investments in new infrastructure.
Survival tricks to get drinking water
What would you do if you got lost in an empty place? Access to drinking water?Can you survive? Luckily, you don’t need high-tech his hydrogel to survive in such extreme conditions. Here are some techniques for meeting your daily water needs if you’re stranded on a lost island or lost in a remote area.
- Iodine-based cleansing. If you are near a dangerous source of water, you can use a first aid kit by adding a few drops of iodine (2-10 drops are enough) to a container of water. Look, there’s rudimentary portability there.
- Sun purification. UV light is a powerful disinfectant. If the water is unreliable, it can be filtered through a cloth and bottled. Close tightly and expose him to the sun for 6 hours. This method is not 100% reliable as some bacteria may survive, but the other options are definitely worse.
- solar distillation. Can’t you see the water? Don’t panic. If you have a plastic bag, you may still have a chance. First you need to dig a hole 20 inches deep and 35 inches wide. You can also take advantage of existing cavities in the ground. Then place a container in the center of the hole and cover the cavity with plastic wrap. Make sure the entire perimeter is sealed using dirt or stone. Finally, place a small stone in the center of the plastic film and dip a spot onto the container. Hopefully, after 24 hours, the water that has condensed on the plastic film should flow naturally into the glass or dish at the bottom of the hole.
Of course, besides these DIY methods, water purification Tablets and even UV pocket purifiers. However, if he plans to go hiking in the wilderness, it’s best that he keeps two bottles of water in his backpack.
sauce: Phys.org
