Media Release
August 11 2008
Nano-solution to clean drinking water for a thirsty world
UniSA
scientists have discovered a simple way to remove bacteria and other
contaminants from water using tiny particles of pure silica coated with
an active nano-material.
The water treatment process is a new concept, not used anywhere else in
the world, which has the potential to make a significant contribution to
the health of nations worldwide.
A recent UNESCO report reveals that more than 6,000 people die every day
from water-related diseases, and the availability of drinking quality
water, especially in the developing world, is fast becoming a major
socio-economic issue.
Current water purification techniques are often complicated and use
sophisticated equipment, which is expensive to operate and maintain, and
includes a final, costly disinfection stage. This can then result in
by-products like trihalomethane, which can have serious effects on human
health.
UniSA’s
Professor of Nanotechnology and Nanomanufacturing, Peter Majewski
will share his findings on the new treatment process at the seminar
Surface-engineered silica: water treatment for a thirsty world
on Tuesday evening, August 12, as part of the University’s free lecture
series,
Gift of Knowledge 2008.
“The water treatment process can remove bacteria, chemicals, viruses and
other contaminants from water much more effectively than conventional
water purification methods,” Prof Majewski said.
“Its major benefits include an easy to use chemical and physical
treatment process that cleans water without requiring additional energy,
and uses recyclable non-toxic base materials like the waste product
silica and water, which bring costs down. These features make it a very
attractive alternative to desalination, which incurs high energy costs,”
he said.
“UniSA’s nano-solution to water purification has the potential to
prevent disease and poisoning of millions of people,” Prof Majewski
said.
Testing of the active particles demonstrates that they can remove
pathogens such as the Polio virus, bacteria such as Escherichia coli,
and the waterborne parasite Cryptosporidium parvum.
“The good news is that it should be available within two years.”
Members of the public are invited to register
online
to attend the seminar tomorrow, Tuesday August 12, at the Mawson Centre,
SA Water Lecture Theatre, Mawson Lakes campus from 6pm – 7pm.
Contacts for interview
- Prof Peter Majewski office (08) 8302 3162 mobile 0423 783 662 email peter.majewski@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Geraldine Hinter office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861832 email geraldine.hinter@unisa.edu.au