Water Tech Spotlight: the latest technology developments in the water industry | October 2021
Technological solutions and innovations are essential to secure a water-wise future. Water Tech Spotlight is a monthly blog which aims to highlight the latest technology developments in the water industry globally. Scroll down to find out more.
1. COMBINING SUNLIGHT AND WASTEWATER NITRATE TO MAKE THE WORLD’S NO. 2 CHEMICAL
A state-of-the-art solar-powered electrochemical reaction technology was recently developed to systematically produce ammonia (NH3), which is ranked as the second most produced chemical in the world. A group of engineers at the University of Illinois, Chicago, developed this cutting-edge technology using wastewater nitrates (NO3–) under sunlight. The study is published in Energy & Environmental Science. Read More…
2. AN OFF-GRID SANITATION SYSTEM ENTERS THE MARKET IN SOUTH AFRICA
The NEWgeneratorTM is a multi-purpose off-grid sanitation system developed by experts at the University of South Florida (USF) in collaboration with the Water Research Commission’s SASTEP initiative. This compact, portable and modular future-proof system can improve water reuse efficiency, produce energy from biogas, and provide nutrient-rich fertilizer from its sewage water. This commercial product could be a turning point for safe and sustainable WASH in emerging economies. Read more…
3. USING REMOTE AUGMENTED REALITY TO KEEP ESSENTIAL WATER TREATMENT PLANTS RUNNING
COVID-19 has not only taken a toll on global water and sanitation services but also challenged the adequate surveillance of wastewater treatment plants. However, Veolia North America (VNA) recently trialled a remote augmented reality tool for monitoring and servicing treatment plants, making traditional in-person inspections a thing of the past and minimizing occupational hazards. This successful pilot is an example of streamlining digitalisation and enhanced infrastructure management for water utilities. Read more…
4. FIRST TRIAL OF A NEW LEAKAGE TECH IN THE UK
Anglian Water has successfully trialled a technology to find and measure leaks in live water lines in the UK as part of a new partnership with Electro Scan. This formidable technology employs multi-sensors, low voltage conductivity, acoustic technology, and high-resolution closed-circuit television (CCTV) in detecting holes with a 1cm diameter in water pipes as well as estimating water losses in litres per second. Read more…
5. NEW METHOD FOR REMOVING LEAD FROM DRINKING WATER
A group of researchers at MIT have recently discovered a laboratory-based economical and energy-efficient system to remove lead and other notorious heavy metals from drinking water. Published in Environmental Science and Technology – Water, this new approach incorporates a process called shock electrodialysis. With 95% lead reduction results, this method offers huge potential for removing tiny concentrations of persistent pollutants from water. Read more…
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