Development and Testing of Sand & 3D Printed Filters for Arsenic Removal
Mentor 1
Krishna Pillai
Start Date
28-4-2023 12:00 AM
Description
An estimated 140 million people, over 70 countries, are drinking water contaminated with arsenic (WHO). In the United States, approximately 2.1 million people have arsenic in their drinking water (USGS). Arsenic consumption can cause cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and can affect children's cognitive development (WHO). Research and development in water filtration can change the lives of millions across the world. In this study, our team developed and tested two types of filters and compared performance. The first filtration method is made of sand with an iron oxide coating. Iron oxide absorption treatment is a chemical treatment method where arsenic absorbs onto iron oxides and create large particles that can be mechanically filtered from water. The second method is a 3D printed PVA filter with an iron oxide coating as well. The filter was designed using a computer-aided design software and fabricated using a 3D printer. The filters were then tested for their ability to remove arsenic from water, and the arsenic removal efficiency was compared to that of commercially available filters. The results of the study have shown that the 3D printed filters are effective, with removal efficiencies comparable to those of commercial filters. The filters were also tested under different flow rates and bed heights, and the results indicate that the PVA filter performance is slightly affected by these variables. Both filters offer several advantages over conventional filters, including lower cost, faster production time, and greater flexibility in design. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of 3D printing technology and other alternatives for the development of more efficient and cost-effective arsenic filtration methods.
Development and Testing of Sand & 3D Printed Filters for Arsenic Removal
An estimated 140 million people, over 70 countries, are drinking water contaminated with arsenic (WHO). In the United States, approximately 2.1 million people have arsenic in their drinking water (USGS). Arsenic consumption can cause cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and can affect children's cognitive development (WHO). Research and development in water filtration can change the lives of millions across the world. In this study, our team developed and tested two types of filters and compared performance. The first filtration method is made of sand with an iron oxide coating. Iron oxide absorption treatment is a chemical treatment method where arsenic absorbs onto iron oxides and create large particles that can be mechanically filtered from water. The second method is a 3D printed PVA filter with an iron oxide coating as well. The filter was designed using a computer-aided design software and fabricated using a 3D printer. The filters were then tested for their ability to remove arsenic from water, and the arsenic removal efficiency was compared to that of commercially available filters. The results of the study have shown that the 3D printed filters are effective, with removal efficiencies comparable to those of commercial filters. The filters were also tested under different flow rates and bed heights, and the results indicate that the PVA filter performance is slightly affected by these variables. Both filters offer several advantages over conventional filters, including lower cost, faster production time, and greater flexibility in design. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of 3D printing technology and other alternatives for the development of more efficient and cost-effective arsenic filtration methods.
