How Straws Can Save Lives

Advancements in Water Purification Technology: the Invention of the Lifestraw

There are many products in development, but some of the most common include ceramic filters, straws, and a chemical-containing pouch called the Pur packet. Each of these inventions use different methods to sanitize the water for human consumption. Pur packets contain water-purifying chemicals, the most important being a chlorine compound similar to that used in swimming pool water. The packet is dumped into a bucket of contaminated water and stirred until substances can be seen settling on the bottom of the container. The water is then filtered by pouring it through a clean cloth to separate out the contaminants. The Pur packet is portable and cost efficient. It can be distributed to households in small, 4 gram packets that cost 10 cents and can purify up to 10 liters of water. For even less, individuals can purchase a ceramic filter composed of clay, sawdust, and silver. These filters last for five years and cost between $0.25-$2.50, making them the cheapest method of water filtration in terms of cost per liter of water filtered. Furthermore, ceramic filter factories create jobs for local people, stimulating their economy.

One particularly successful invention has been the Lifestraw, a water filtration system created and distributed by Vestergaard, a company that helps to support people in vulnerable situations, particularly in developing countries. The company has developed a variety of products, but the water straw is its most well-known invention, earning the title of "Best Invention of the Year" from Time magazine in 2005. The water straw was initially developed to battle Guinea worm disease after its inventor, Torben Vestergaard Frandsen, visited Africa while doing relief work.

Source: The Triple Helix Online

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• Filtration
• Technology
• Filtration Solutions