Research Project on "Clean Water Project Using Sustainable Material addressing Water Scarcity"

Research Project on “Clean Water Project Using Sustainable Material addressing Water Scarcity”

The novelty of the project lies in the creation of a new type of eco-friendly water purifier made from natural materials “camelia pollen” and plant-based gel “agar” can absorb almost all sunlight converting it into heat very effectively. This allows it to turn seawater into clean water quickly, matching or even beating laboratory results. The filtered water met international drinking-water standards, showing it is safe to drink.

The gel can also be reused several times with almost no drop in performance, making it practical and cost effective. The research team also discovered why the gel works so well in salty conditions: a scientific principle called the hofmeister effect helps the material keep evaporating water efficiently even in seawater. These findings were confirmed using advanced lab techniques.

A research paper and an intellectual property filing are underway which will help protect the invention. This project also trained 3 students in sustainable materials and water purification technologies. In the long term, this natural, recyclable water-purifying gel could reduce waste, replace plastics in desalination systems, support clean water goals, and be expanded into real-world pilot systems across Asia.

The funding from Mitsubishi Corporation will bring forth environmental conservation alongside the push for energy saving solutions for climate change.