Nanotech for clean water
SciDev Net has launched a series of articles and opinion pieces asking why and how nanotech can improve access to safe water and help meet development goals
It looks at the science, social, political, regulatory and ethical issues of doing the science and then transferring it to the communities.
For example, in South Africa scientists at the University of Johannesburg are developing a nanosponges to help solve a continent’s water contamination problems. The nano-sponge resembles a honeycomb containing pores just 1-2 nanometre across. The pores trap organic and inorganic pollutants from water as it passes through the sponge.
There are also some interesting thoughts on how, in rural communities in South Africa, applications of good science failed because scientists and governments didn’t communicate and engage the local communities effectively. Such situations are not exclusive, I think, to developing nations.
The Science and Development Network – is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing reliable and authoritative information about science and technology for the developing world.
Jason Major