A team at the University of Texas in Austin has developed a compact and innovative device with the ability to eradicate bacteria from contaminated water using battery-generated electricity. This small cube-shaped device, resembling a mug, aims to provide clean drinking water to communities affected by disruptions in their water supply caused by severe weather events. D. Emma Fan, an associate professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, who led the project, explains, “When our water infrastructure is down — no water, no gas, and no electricity — we need point-of-use devices for cleaning water we can get out of ponds, streams, or rivers. We believe our device can someday meet that need.”
The researchers conducted tests on a 3D-printed prototype of the device, purifying small samples of water taken from a creek in Austin. Their experiments demonstrated that the device successfully eliminated 99.997% of E. coli bacteria from the water within around 20 minutes. This cup-like device works by harnessing electricity to purify water. Once water is poured into the device, an electric current is passed through a foam-encased, “branched” electrode inside. The electric field generated attracts E. coli cells, causing them to be drawn into the electrode branches, resulting in clean, drinkable water. Although it only takes approximately 20 minutes to purify the water, the device can operate continuously for many hours, as confirmed by the research team.
In terms of power, users can utilize batteries, such as a car battery, and solar panels to operate the device. This versatility ensures the device can be used during power outages, which frequently occur following severe weather events. The researchers have also highlighted that their device offers a safer and simpler alternative to existing water filtration methods. Disinfecting pills, for example, can release harmful oxidants, reverse osmosis systems require high water pressure, and solar steaming relies on consistent sunlight, which is often unreliable during natural disasters. Additionally, the device is cost-effective compared to other water filtration methods, as the electrode can be produced for less than $2.
Looking ahead, the researchers are exploring avenues to commercialize the device and are focused on streamlining the cup’s design. They also aim to simplify the process of inserting and removing the electrodes, making the device more user-friendly and accessible. The University of Texas at Austin’s groundbreaking innovation has the potential to revolutionize access to clean drinking water in communities affected by water supply disruptions, offering a portable and efficient solution to a widespread problem.
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