For developing countries and DISASTER relief.
OverviewH2gO is a Portable Water Treatment System (PWTS) and was designed to be tested in Cumayasa, Dominican Republic. Many water sources in the Dominican Republic are contaminated with bacteria, such as Fecal Coliform, because the cities do not have proper sewage systems. Ingesting water contaminated with bacteria can lead to serious illness. H2gO is low-cost, modular, and transportable, making it versatile and applicable in many developing communities.
H2gO PWTS was tested in January of 2019 two locations. During a previous trip to the Dominican Republic in January of 2018, the water quality from Maria Trinidad (local preschool to La Romana Province) was evaluated based on pH, salinity, and the presence of bacteria. The results were as follows: pH of 8.4, salinity of 7.01 ppm, and too many bacteria to count. Based on the previous water quality results, the first prototype of H2gO PWTS consists the following interchangeable modules designed to fit in a standard suitcase. This modules go as followed: filtration (a 5 micron filter, a 1 micron filters, and a 0.2 micron filter), an activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane, and disinfection (a UV light or chlorine). In the Dominican Republic, electricity is an insufficient power source, therefore H2gO is powered with solar energy. Samples of influent and effluent water were taken before and after running through the system to determine if any Fecal Coliform remained. All effluent samples were recorded as negative for bacteria. H2gO is versatile and adaptable which makes it capable to treat varying water source that are affected by the change in environment. This design promises to mitigate future exposure to aqueous contaminants for people in developing communities. |
Below is a photo of the team presenting the system to the Ministry of Education Board from Santo Domingo.
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BEHIND THE NAMEWe believe H2gO has the potential to make a real difference and impact on community centers and schools regarding access to clean water. Our goal is to continue researching about the possibilities to grow the name and awareness about clean drinking water initiatives. Currently, the team is working on applying to grants to improve the system and applying for a patent.
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