# A Device Crafted from Reclaimed Tires Can Cleanse Water for Under $0.01 per Liter
In an era where clean drinking water is diminishing in availability, researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada have created a groundbreaking solution that tackles both water scarcity and waste management. Their invention: a water purifier constructed from reclaimed tires that can cleanse water for less than $0.01 per liter. This remarkable apparatus not only delivers purified water but also reuses waste materials, making it a sustainable and economical answer to two significant environmental issues.
## The Global Water Crisis
Water scarcity remains a critical concern on a global scale. The United Nations reports that more than 2 billion individuals reside in nations facing severe water stress. Most of the planet’s water is either saline or contaminated, rendering it undrinkable. Conventional water purification techniques, such as desalination facilities or filtration systems, tend to be pricey and energy-consuming, restricting their accessibility in developing areas.
However, this new water purifier presents a budget-friendly alternative that could revolutionize access to clean water for communities with limited resources. The device harnesses solar energy for water purification via a method known as solar distillation, ensuring it is both economical and environmentally conscious.
## How the Recycled Water Still Functions
The recycled water still is engineered to float on the surface of a water body, like a lake or river. It draws water from underneath and utilizes solar energy to heat it. As the water turns into vapor, it separates from impurities such as salt and contaminants. The purified water vapor then condenses on a dome-like surface and is directed into a collection bag, prepared for use.
What distinguishes this device from other purification systems is its affordability. Rather than depending on costly materials like metals or sophisticated filtration setups, the still utilizes discarded tires. The tires undergo a procedure called pyrolysis, where they are heated without oxygen to produce a carbon-rich substance. This material serves as a light-absorbing layer that harnesses solar energy, powering the distillation process.
## A Sustainable Solution
The recycled water still tackles two key environmental challenges: water scarcity and waste management. By repurposing used tires, the device contributes to diminishing the volume of tires deposited in landfills, where they can take decades to break down. Simultaneously, it provides a low-cost answer to the global water dilemma.
Beyond purifying water, the device also produces small quantities of electricity via the thermoelectric effect. Although the amount of power generated is minimal, it suffices to operate small sensors that can monitor water quality, enhancing the device’s utility in remote or underserved regions.
## Cost and Accessibility
One of the most astonishing features of this invention is its low cost. The researchers believe that the device can purify water for under $0.01 per liter, making it accessible to communities lacking the budget for pricier purification solutions. Its design is also straightforward and easy to produce, which could promote widespread adoption in areas where clean water is hard to come by.
## Future Implications
The recycled water still is merely one of several recent innovations aimed at combating the global water crisis. Other advancements, such as a gel capable of extracting drinking water from the atmosphere, have also demonstrated potential. Nevertheless, the still’s distinctive combination of affordability, sustainability, and user-friendliness renders it particularly appealing for developing nations and remote locations.
The researchers have shared their findings in the journal *iScience*, emphasizing the potential for this technology to be expanded and implemented in regions in dire need. With additional development and funding, this recycled water still could significantly contribute to addressing one of the most urgent problems of our time: ensuring clean, safe drinking water for everyone.
## Conclusion
As the global population continues to increase and climate change exacerbates water shortages, innovative solutions like the recycled water still are becoming increasingly vital. By transforming waste into a precious resource and providing an inexpensive method to purify water, this device has the capability to enhance the lives of millions around the globe. With ongoing research and development, it could emerge as a crucial instrument in the battle against water scarcity and environmental degradation.
