Nanotechnology Now - News Story: "Nanofilter Cleans Water in Disaster Zones"

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August 13th, 2008

Nanofilter Cleans Water in Disaster Zones

Abstract:
A nanomaterial coating on silica particles could offer the solution to one of the world's oldest and most destructive health challenges: how to remove bacteria and other pollutants from drinking water. In disasters like the Burmese cyclone, many of the deaths come from the destruction of water supplies. Flying in a few tonnes of food may keep thousands alive temporarily, but many times as much clean water is still usually inadequate.

However, Prof Peter Majewski of the University of South Australia's School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering foresees a day when aid agencies could bring in coated sand and pour even the most polluted water through the equivalent of a coffee filter to obtain clean water. The nanomaterial on the surface of the silica would trap the cholera bacteria or Cryptosporidium parasites so reliably that the water could be drunk in safety.

Source:
redorbit.com

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