Acoustics Nanotube Technology

If you think of NASA, you would think that they only oversee occurrences outside our planet. While they do oversee planetary incidents, they are also involved in researches on anything that contributes to the sustainability of the eco system. In this case, NASA’s Johnson Space Center developed the Acoustics Nanotube Technology to eliminate contaminants in water to make it potable, making it one of NASA’s contributions to water purification technologies.

This innovation still uses a sieve, but unlike other filtration types, it is an “acoustically-driven molecular sieve embedded with small diameter nanotubes.” This technological advancement in water filtration pushes water away from contaminants unlike other methods. The technology has been reported in 2009

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Lifestraw

Filter and water technologies are not limited to developing countries. As we mentioned earlier, these technologies surface because there is a need and there is a growing need in underdeveloped countries for cheaper gadgets to help them get clean water. One of these is the Lifestraw, introduced in 2008 for household use.

This simple contraption is designed for individual use. It’s as simple as hanging it around your neck! Use the Lifestraw as you would a normal straw, sip through it. But what is inside are 2 filters, a membrane and charcoal filter. These two elements take care of purifying through the water while it is being sucked upwards.

Filtering Water with Nanotechnology

Last year, 2014, Nano Sun of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University developed a multi-functional water filtration membrane. This latest water filter technology uses titanium dioxide nanotechnology instead of the usual polymer-based water filtration membranes.

It sounds scientific to ordinary citizens like us but simply put, it kills bacteria and breaks down organic compounds using the ultraviolet rays or more commonly known to us as, the sun. In addition, it claims to be environmental friendly as it reduces biofouling or the accumulation of microorganisms that usually grow on wet surfaces.