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| August 2005 |
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Simple, cost-effective solution to water purificationA low tech water purifier which provides clean water cost-effectively and with relative ease is soon to be produced in South Africa.
Southern Trident's Aquasafe water steriliser relies on solar power to destroy harmful microorganisms such as the cholera causing bacterium, Vibrio Cholerae. Weighing less than 2kg, the device is easy to operate, requires no batteries, no electricity, just sunshine, and the hotter, the better. Instructions are simple. A small tube containing a waxy substance which melts at high temperature is placed inside a bottle of water before it is inserted into the Aquasafe purifier. The device is then placed in full sunshine in an area with preferably little wind. According to the manufacturers, when the wax melts the water can be viewed as safe to drink and this can be a matter of mere hours, depending on the temperature.
Scientists at the National Health Laboratory Services in Port Elizabeth put the Aquasafe water steriliser through its paces. Following the manufacturers instructions for usage, they found no evidence of bacterial growth after inoculating a 1.5 L bottle of water with high concentrations of both Escherichia coli and Vibrio Cholerae. In their experiments, conducted on a clear day with no wind and temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius, the wax indicator melted after just four hours. Claiming to have the capacity to produce more than 16 L of potable water per day, this device should find a ready market in a region where access to clean, healthy water is still out of reach for many, and where outbreaks of cholera have reached epidemic proportions in the past. The product will be on display at the Afriwater Expo from 8 - 12 August 2005 in Sandton in South Africa. The Eastern Cape Manufacturing Advisory Centre based in Port Elizabeth is actively involved in establishing the joint venture for the manufacture of the water steriliser between a BEE company in the region and the technology partners at Southern Trident based Denmark. The Aquasafe water steriliser will be available for sale once production begins this year. More information: Grant Minnie E.C. Manufacturing Advisory Centre)
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