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For under US$2, this reusable filtration device instantly delivers clean water anywhere
- Chinese-US research team says ‘powerful and affordable tool’ can also filter nanoplastic-contaminated water
- Scientists will work with governments and organisations in developing countries to distribute device for free
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Scientists have invented a portable filtration system that can produce purified water seven times faster than anything else available. The joint research team from China and the United States said their purification device was reusable and would cost only US$1.7 to make.
The easy-to-use device’s filter is made from tiny cellulose fibres and operates through a simple mechanism: dirty water is pushed through the attached filter with a plastic syringe, much like an injection.
“We provide a powerful and affordable tool to access clean water,” the American and Chinese joint research team wrote in an article published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Sustainability on Friday.
“Our portable water filter … offers a sustainable solution to the long-standing issue of suspended solids pollution in water sources,” they said.
The system converts muddy water, river water, snow melt and water contaminated with nanoplastics into clean water, according to the researchers. It is suitable for people who do not have access to safe water sources and could serve as outdoor gear.
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