Ideaz

My idea is about using nanotechnology based membranes for water purification. Water problem is one of the most serious issues right now, especially in developing countries where people don’t always get safe drinking water. I see this as not only a technical problem but also a social problem, because lack of clean water leads to diseases, high medical costs and even children missing schools.

Current solutions like reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon systems are there, but they are expensive, they waste a lot of water and in many cases they don’t remove newer contaminants like microplastics, pesticides or traces of medicines in the water. This is the gap which I think nanotechnology can fill.

Nanomaterials like graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes can be used to design ultra thin membranes. These membranes can separate impurities at nanoscale level, so even bacteria and viruses can be blocked. At the same time, water can flow through very fast compared to normal filters. That means less energy is used and the filters can last longer. I imagine this technology being fitted in small cartridges for homes, but also scaled up for villages and disaster relief camps.

The people who will benefit are rural families, slum areas, and even normal households who want safer and cheaper water. NGOs and governments can also benefit since they can use this for large scale supply without huge cost.

This problem matters to me because in my own area sometimes we face water quality issues, and I see how families spend lot of money on bottled water. I believe with nanotechnology membranes, clean water can become more affordable and accessible.