Nanotechnology
Researchers at Rice University have uncovered a revolutionary method using nanotechnology for cleaning arsenic from drinking water, a breakthrough that could have major health implications in developing countries. The discovery was made by scientists in Houston at the Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN), involving magnetic interactions between specs of rust smaller than viruses.
The experiments involve suspending pure samples of iron oxide, or rust, in water and then pulling them out using a magnetic field, leaving only purified water. While old models suggested big magnetic fields would be required to pull away the particles, the research suggests that small hand-held magnets could suffice. The experiments were then repeated using arsenic-contaminated water. It was discovered that the rust particles would bind to the arsenic, reducing the amount of the harmful substance to levels well below the EPA's threshold for U.S. drinking water.
November 13, 2006 6:46 AM | Category: Water