As we have discussed before, almost a billion people around the world do not have access to clean drinking water. Scientists and activists are constantly looking for new ways to solve this problem.Researchers at South Africa's Stellenbosch University have developed a water filter that cost about half a cent per use. The filter, which essentially looks like a teabag (and is made from actual teabag material), uses activated carbon and anti-bacterial nano-fibers to filter most water for safe drinking.The filter basically sits in the top of a water bottle and as you drink, it filters out contaminants (see video below).
Cost has been a big issue for water filters in the past. The Lifesaver, designed by nano technology specialist, Michael Pritchard was very effective but cost upwards of $100 USD per bottle. This "teabag" filter unfortunately, can only be used for 1 liter of water and then must be thrown away. However, at half a cent, it is still a bargain and might work for people making less than 1 dollar a day.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University explains how it works in the video below.
(via io9.com)
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