Clean water from clay and sawdust

It has long been known that the antimicrobial properties of silver are widely used in water filters.

>>> Use the leaves to clean medical wastewater

However, both help create clean water and contribute to the local economic development is the project that University of Virginia (USA) is implementing. The two PureMadi and MadiDrops are part of a program to provide clean water to the South African community. According to program leader, environmental engineer James Smith and Dr. Rebecca Dillingham, the word 'madi' in the Tshivenda language in South Africa means 'water'.

The PureMadi filter looks like a flowerpot, both capable of removing mechanical deposits and disinfecting them. Filtration equipment should not be carried from far away but will be built by the villagers. Accordingly, local clay is mixed with sawdust and water at appropriate proportions, pressed into the mold and then into the furnace.

Sawdust burned during the firing process will leave holes in the ceramic filter structure. They are large enough to allow water to be filtered at a rate of 3 liters per hour and small enough to retain impurities. Besides, some sawdust on fire will have the same effect as activated charcoal should deodorize pretty well. A silver nanoparticle will do the job of disinfection to make the final product clean water.

When using only put the filter on a container with a capacity of about 20 liters, water in and slowly wait for the product. According to Gizmag, 99.9% of the pathogens were either retained or destroyed. Products meet clean water standards in developing countries.

MadiDrops is a "pill" when put in a bucket of water will do the task of killing bacteria thanks to silver nanoparticles.You can filter the dirty water and then add MadiDrops.With a compact structure, Easy to maintain, MadiDrops promises to serve the public massively. Gizmag says a PureMadi filter is effective for 2-5 years, and MadiDrops works for 6 months.

Clean water programs are creating jobs for local workers. Currently a plant in the Limpopo province is capable of producing 500-1,000 filters per month. Under the plan, the University of Virginia will continue to build 10-12 plants in a decade not only in South Africa but in many other countries. The goal is to provide clean water to at least half a million people each year.