Zeolite filter for cleaning tap water

2002/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

On occasions, drinking water is a carrier of microorganisms that cause infections to humans, such as contamination by sewage or landfill waters, the hepatitis virus or the bacteria Escherichia coli. To avoid this problem, scientists have long sought an effective filter.

A team of researchers from the University of Texas has prepared a mineral zeolite filter that, in addition to being able to remove 99% of viruses and 100% of E. coli, is cheap.

In order to attract microorganisms, they have had to change the surface load, since zeolite and microorganisms have the same electrical load on the surface. For this purpose, the chemical matter (HDTMA) used in conditioners and oral cleaning fluids has been added to zeolite. Now it is only necessary to investigate how long the filter lasts and whether it is toxic to humans.