Domestic Water Purification Device Based On Photocatalysis Using Solar Light

Introduction

In a large number of underdeveloped and developing countries, there is scarcity of safe drinking water. People are forced to drink contaminated water infested with disease causing bacteria, which causes many water born diseases. Various methods like chlorination, ozonation, boiling and irradiation by UV light are used to purify water. However these methods require chemicals, fuel, and electricity, which are not available in remote undeveloped areas. A “domestic water purification device” is designed on photocatalytic disinfection of water using non-toxic, reusable photocatalyst and solar light. The device does not require electricity, chemical and high pressure tap water.

Salient Features:

• Works on solar light. (Even diffused sunlight on a cloudy day is sufficient)
  
• Does not require electricity, chemical and high pressure tap water.
  
• Very effective as it kill bacteria > 99.99 % (4log scale).
  
• Almost maintenance free except occasional cleaning of the glass cover, prefilter and tray.
  

Applications

The device is meant for purification of drinking water with respect to suspended particles, dissolved organics and bacteria. The device purifies water in batch mode. The device of 60 cm x 65 cm x 10 cm size can disinfect ~ 15 liters of drinking water daily using solar light.

For further information please contact :

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai- 400 085
Tel : 091-022-25505337/25593897
Fax : 091-022-25505151
Email : headttcd@barc.gov.in