Cow dung helps filter seawater into pure water

In addition to using it to fertilize, the researchers are using cow dung to filter seawater into pure fresh water.

According to the Daily Mail (UK), scientists at Northeastern University (USA) have developed a process that turns cow dung into a filter , which helps remove bacteria and desalinate seawater into pure water. They hope this innovation can solve the global water crisis.

Scientists at Northeastern University have developed a process that turns animal feces into a filter (pictured) to purify seawater into fresh water. (Photo: phys.org)

By breaking down the structure of cow dung at extremely high temperatures, the scientists decomposed cow dung into carbon powder, then turned them into black styrofoam. These sponges are placed on top of sea water, when sunlight shines on, the water underneath the black matter will turn into steam, seep through the filter sponge and form drinkable water.

According to UNICEF, there are about 1.42 billion people living in water-scarce areas and only 3% of the water on Earth is drinkable. With this situation, many scientists are working tirelessly to study how to turn seawater into fresh water.

The image simulates sunlight shining on the filter sponge floating on the surface of sea water. (Photo: Nanoscale)

Currently, the most commonly used solution is a saltwater filtration system. This process is called desalination , but the equipment used in the process is very prone to problems.

Yi Zheng, a professor at Northeastern University, said: 'The materials used in this process are very expensive and unsustainable. Furthermore, the whole desalination process consumes a lot of electricity'.

Based on the idea of ​​water purification, Mr. Zheng looked for a more sustainable energy source, which is sunlight. However, this process does not require solar panels, but just takes advantage of sunlight to activate the water purification process.

He collected large amounts of cow dung from local farms, which decomposed the material at temperatures up to 1,700 degrees Celsius to kill any bacteria. After removing bacteria, cow dung will convert into carbon powder. Then, scientists will convert them into foam form to filter salt out of seawater.

By blasting manure with high heat, the scientists decomposed it into a carbon powder that was made into a filter sponge. (Photo: phys.org)

In a statement, the researchers said: 'The water generated by this process is very pure. Its sodium concentration is significantly lower than the standard set by the US Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water. The materials we use in this process are also all-natural, sustainable. They are efficient, low-cost, easy to find and easy to manufacture," Zheng said.

The scientists hope the technology will be transferred to local communities to build their own desalination systems. This also makes an important contribution to achieving equitable access to drinking water for people around the world.

"You can't simply put a nanofabrication facility in a local village or town, but people can collect manure from a local farm and decompose it easily ," said Zheng. know.