This invention will partially address the scarcity of clean water in impoverished countries.
A new study by scientists at Texas State University (USA) has opened a “way out” for developing nations in ensuring access to clean water.
This unique solution comes from a hydrogel filter that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The usage is incredibly simple: just drop this filter into contaminated water, and it will automatically kill bacteria within one hour.
The hydrogel filter solution is superior as it does not require energy.
According to Newatlas, the current prototype created by the scientists can disinfect 1 liter of lake or river water, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria in the sample.
To achieve this, the hydrogel filter employs a unique mechanism; when placed in water, it initiates a chemical reaction that produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), also known as hydrogen peroxide solution.
This substance quickly combines with carbon molecules to kill pathogenic bacteria by disrupting the metabolic processes of microorganisms. Afterward, it degrades naturally in the environment.
The research team stated that no toxins are produced in the water following this process.
Currently, the most commonly used method for disinfecting water is boiling, but this requires a significant amount of thermal energy and is not always feasible in poorer countries.
Other methods for water filtration, such as using solar-powered heating panels, graphene filters, or automatic chlorine discharge systems for disinfection, are also ineffective on a small scale or still require energy to operate.
In contrast, the hydrogel filter solution is superior because it does not consume energy, the materials are inexpensive, and it can be easily scaled up to meet various needs.
Currently, scientists are finalizing testing processes and will move towards commercializing the hydrogel filter in the near future.
