Week 2 Lab - More Research

Goal:

Today, we are focusing on researching more in depth about the filtering process and possible pumps that would be used for the design.  The budget will be modified and research will be done about how much water a person uses a day.  Depending on the water consumption, will influence the size tank used to store the water.  One point that was brought up was that even we must take into consideration that these people will be using the water for other needs besides hydration.  For example, one might use water from the tank to drink, do wash, clean dishes, and bath.  The tank will have to be very large to supply around 5 gallons of water per person.

Location - Juba

What contamination are in the water?

              Feces, salt, worms, nitrates, phosphates, lead.

Where is Juba located?

              Juba is a small village along the White Nile River in Southern Sudan.



Group members are focusing on researching the following:

Electric filtering and nano-fibers; softening water - the process of getting the heavy metals out.

Different containment in the water and what filtering methods are best for those contaminants.

In May of 2008, there was no functioning water or sewerage system in Juba.  Millions of southern Sudanese must walk miles everyday to collect water from ponds, marshes, and some will even dig wells with their hands.  The water collected is normally contaminated with parasites and disease-bearing bacteria.  (http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/)

The people of southern Sudan are unknowable about how to avoid diseases.  They will transport contaminated water with containers that are already contaminated,  making the water even worse (http://www.irinnews.org/Report/78380/SUDAN-Water-contamination-threat-in-South)



http://www.irinnews.org/Report/78380/SUDAN-Water-contamination-threat-in-South

We found a water filter that would kill 90% of the bacteria.  This would be a three-step process.  There are carbon nano tubes with nano-fiber that is hanging on the carbon. First we would get the heavy metals out through a method and then get out the bacteria through the method research online.  The water would also have to be distilled to remove the water because there are still salts in the water.  Even though the distillation process is removing the minerals that give water taste, it would clean the water and be much safer for the Sudanese to drink.

Facts:

5,000 child die a day from dirty water.

Not only does safe water has an effect on one's health, but also his/her education and economic development.

20 millions of people across Southern Sudan lack access to sanitation

17 million have no source of safe drinking water

http://www.irinnews.org/Report/78380/SUDAN-Water-contamination-threat-in-South