Mobile water treatment system developed

To develop the technology, the research team pumped water from a nearby pond directly into a treatment system which uses a novel disinfectant and membrane filtration system.

From this, potable water that meets drinking water standards from source, can be produced in a matter of minutes, researchers claim.

“Our biocide cleans the water but without the corrosive downside of chlorination

Prof Darren Reynolds

The technique differs from conventional water treatment systems as it does not incorporate the use of chlorine as a disinfectant.

As chlorine corrodes the membrane material that is used for filtration of the water, it makes the long-term deployment of portable treatment systems in remote areas difficult.

The new system is designed to incorporate a water disinfectant that does not corrode the components but still maintains the ability to kill any bacteria present in the water.

Research leader Prof Darren Reynolds said: “The first stage of our project has resulted in the capacity to produce two cubic metres of drinking water in a 12 day period.

“This may not seem like a huge amount, but put into context, humans need a minimum of two litres of drinking water a day which is less than one cubic metre a year. Key to this project is the novel biocide that we have developed that does not corrode like chlorine.”

Working alongside its industrial partners, the UWE team has currently fitted into standard 20ft transport containers making each unit transportable.

“The challenge of bringing clean drinking water to all parts of the globe is an urgent problem that scientists, technologists and environmentalists are working towards resolving.

“Our novel biocide cleans the water but without the corrosive downside of chlorination. With our system it is possible for a drinking water treatment plant to be taken anywhere in the world that is reachable by road, sea or air,” Reynolds added.