Carbon nanotubes could replace conventional materials in water-purification systems, a team of Indian scientists have revealed. This method could be the answer to ensuring a safe supply of drinking water for regions of the world stricken by periodic drought or where water contamination is rife.
At present, more than one billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion people lack access to proper sanitation, nearly all of them in the developing countries.
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine and is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
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Also, currently, a third of the world's population live in water-stressed countries, and by 2025, this is expected to rise to two-thirds.
S. Kar, R.C. Bindal, S. Prabhakar, P.K. Tewari, K. Dasgupta, and D. Sathiyamoorthy of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, India, have explained how new water purification technologies are constantly being investigated, but to be viable in the developing world, these have to be relatively simple and inexpensive to install, operate, and maintain.
![Waterborne Diseases]( "Waterborne Diseases")
Waterborne diseases are communicable diseases caused by diseases causing microorganisms in contaminated water. It is more prevalent during floods and in tsunami affected areas.
They have turned to nanostructured, the carbon nanotubes, hollow carbon fibers less than a billionth the thickness of a human hair.
The unique chemical properties of carbon nanotubes mean that only very small molecules, such as water molecules can pass along their interiors, whereas viruses, bacteria, toxic metal ions, and large noxious organic molecules cannot.
The team points out that the smooth and water repellant interior of carbon nanotubes means that a filter based on this technology would be very efficient, allowing a high flow rate of water through the filter without fouling.
Importantly, the power needed to drive water through such a system will be low compared to conventional membrane technology.
However, to be useful as a nanotech filtration system for contaminated water, these nanoscale structures need to be engineered to form well-defined arrangements to allow the efficient decontamination of water.
The team has now investigated the potential of forming water filtration systems based on carbon nanotubes that could remove arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals.
Carbon nanotubes have impressive credentials for water purification, according to the researchers.
Source: ANI
RAS/M
Waterborne Diseases
Waterborne diseases are communicable diseases caused by diseases causing microorganisms in contaminated water. It is more prevalent during floods and in tsunami affected areas.
Advertisement
They have turned to nanostructured, the carbon nanotubes, hollow carbon fibers less than a billionth the thickness of a human hair.
The unique chemical properties of carbon nanotubes mean that only very small molecules, such as water molecules can pass along their interiors, whereas viruses, bacteria, toxic metal ions, and large noxious organic molecules cannot.
The team points out that the smooth and water repellant interior of carbon nanotubes means that a filter based on this technology would be very efficient, allowing a high flow rate of water through the filter without fouling.
Importantly, the power needed to drive water through such a system will be low compared to conventional membrane technology.
However, to be useful as a nanotech filtration system for contaminated water, these nanoscale structures need to be engineered to form well-defined arrangements to allow the efficient decontamination of water.
The team has now investigated the potential of forming water filtration systems based on carbon nanotubes that could remove arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals.
Carbon nanotubes have impressive credentials for water purification, according to the researchers.
Source: ANI
RAS/M
Waterborne Disease - Animation
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding waterborne disease
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 Bihar Reeling as Diarrhoea SpreadsBihar's Health Secretary Deepak Kumar said on Sunday that over 5,000 diarrhoea cases have been reported from flood hit Madhepura, Araria, Saharsa, Supaul and Purnia districts of the State. | Advertisement
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