Project Lead(s): Clara Fernandes
Issue
Water contamination and malnutrition of children and families is an issue faced by many in India. Clean water is a particularly large issue for slum dwellers in and around the outskirts of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Solution
The project aimed to accomplish water purification and simultaneous fortification with nutrients using the swellable granules as the filter aid encased in the teabag. They designed and tested a tea dispenser that incorporated indigenous biodegradable polymers, known as Ispaghula Husk and Sodium Alginate, to purify and fortify water.
The project attempted to purify water by removing carcinogens and microorganisms.
A methylene blue dye was used to gauge water purity during and after treatment.
Outcome
The results of the project supported the hypothesis that the design of the tea dispenser is essential for the interaction and complete removal of contaminants from the water. Using the indigenous polymers, 99% of gram-positive and gram-negative microbes were removed over time. However, the process proved more time-consuming than anticipated, as the research team was unable to remove microbes within their targeted timeframe of 1 hour. All harmful metal ions were removed within the targeted timeframe.
The rate of purification was improved by an alternative tea dispenser design. More research and product refinement is necessary, including plans for water fortification.
The project established indigenous biodegradable polymers as a cost-effective technique for water treatment.