How did Deepika develop a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to purify water? Describe her goal and how she used SODIS and photocatalysis.
Deepika wanted to provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to purify water for communities that lacked access to clean drinking water. She aimed to make a sustainable solution that could be easily implemented in rural areas.
To achieve this goal, Deepika utilized a method called Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) in combination with photocatalysis.
SODIS involves using sunlight to disinfect water by placing clear plastic bottles filled with contaminated water in direct sunlight for a certain period of time. The UV rays from the sun kill harmful microorganisms present in the water, making it safe to drink. This method is simple, low-cost, and does not require any chemicals or electricity.
Photocatalysis is a process in which a photocatalyst is used to accelerate a chemical reaction when exposed to light. Deepika incorporated photocatalysis by adding a photocatalyst material to the water before subjecting it to sunlight. This helped to further enhance the purification process by breaking down organic contaminants and pollutants in the water.
By combining SODIS with photocatalysis, Deepika was able to create a highly effective and sustainable water purification method that was accessible to communities in need. This solution not only provided clean drinking water but also contributed to environmental conservation by reducing the reliance on traditional water purification methods that could harm the ecosystem.