New portable water filtration technology could improve access to clean drinking water worldwide

The new filtration technology collects dirty water with a syringe and injects it into a hydrogel filter that removes ‘nearly all tiny particles,’ according to the researchers.

The researchers said the device offers advantages in cost, simplicity, effectiveness and sustainability compared to existing commercial options, giving users the ability to easily decontaminate water from nearby streams and rivers to make it drinkable.

In a statement, Guihua Yu, professor of materials science at the Cockrell School of Engineer’s Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Texas Materials Institute, said: “The pressing concern of particle-polluted water, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions where people frequently rely on contaminated water sources for consumption, demands immediate attention and recognition.

“Our system, with its high efficiency in removing diverse types of particles, offers an attractive yet practical solution in improving freshwater availability.”

According to the researchers, current filtration devices mostly consist of filter paper and microporous membranes.