Research team develops electricity-free water purifier

A research team in Korea has developed a water purifier that works without electricity, helping people living in areas hit by natural disasters drink clean water.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology's international environment research center and Knowledge Sharing International said Wednesday they installed for free three water purifiers that operate without electricity at the village of Qelekuro in Fiji hit by cyclone.

Qelekuro was hugely hit by cyclone Winston this February that packed up to 200 kilometers per hour winds that damaged houses. Due to shortage of drinking water, residents had to drink water from river and streams and thus suffered from waterborne epidemic such as typhoid. In response, Kim Rok-ho, environment and healthcare expert at the World Health Organization’s Pacific region office, requested for help in March this year to Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology.

The air purifier was developed by professors Kim Kyong-woong and Lee Yun-ho of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. With size similar to 18.9 liter drinking water bottle, it can purify 3-10 liters of water per hour. When water is poured through the polymer membrane with tiny holes, polluted materials and bacteria are filtered. More than 99.9 percent of colon bacillus that results in enteritis are eliminated. The purifiers work without electricity and can be used almost permanently without having to go through regular checkup.

"I'm happy that the water facility has allowed people drink clean water," Professor Kim who visited the area said. "I want to contribute further with science and technology in helping people live a safer and happier life."

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