Natural disasters like hurricanes and freezes can leave people without basic necessities like clean water.
To help communities during these difficult times, a researcher at The University of Texas at Austin has come up with an extraordinary solution: a cup-sized device that can purify water from creeks and streams.
The device is the brainchild of D. Emma Fan, an associate professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering.
Her invention could be a lifesaver when regular water supplies are cut off. It works by using a tiny electric shock to catch and remove harmful bacteria like E. coli.
Here’s how this handy little cup works and why it’s so special.
What’s Inside the Cup?
The essential part of the device is a “branched” electrode. Imagine a tree with roots and branches going in different directions.
The electrode looks like that and is made of graphite foam. This material is durable and works well with electricity.
When you dip this branched electrode into the water and give it a little jolt of electricity, something amazing happens. The E. coli bacteria in the water, which can make people very sick, are drawn to the branches of the electrode. Believe it or not, these bacteria are natural swimmers, and they swim right into the branches and get captured.
The process takes around 20 minutes, and it can remove an incredible 99.997% of the E. coli bacteria from small water samples. The electrode can work for many hours and is cheap to make, costing less than $2.
How to Use the Water-Cleaning Cup?
Using the device is as simple as dipping the cup into the water, applying an electric shock, and then waiting for the electrode to do its magic. Once the bacteria are caught in the branches, you remove the water, and it’s safe to drink.
The team has built a 3D-printed prototype and is now looking to make the design even more straightforward. They also want to figure out ways to sell it to the public.
There are different ways to clean water, especially during emergencies, but each has its challenges.
Some methods can release harmful chemicals, while others need high pressure or steady sunlight. The water-cleaning cup doesn’t have these problems.
It’s powered by electricity, so you could use it at home, in the office, or even in a car. If there’s a power outage, you could hook it up to a car battery or solar panels to purify water from a nearby stream or pond.
Professor Fan was motivated by the growing population in Texas and the state’s history of natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. She saw the need for a device that could help people when water infrastructure fails.
The team is excited about the future of their invention. It’s affordable, easy to use, and could provide clean drinking water during a crisis. Whether you’re at home or stranded in an emergency, the water-cleaning cup could be an essential tool to keep you and your family safe and hydrated.
In a world where the unexpected can happen, inventions like this remind us of the power of creativity and innovation. With simple materials and a brilliant idea, a lifesaving device might just be at hand’s reach, right in your car’s glove box or your kitchen drawer.
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Source: University of Texas at Austin.
