A group of Peruvian researchers developed a technology that could transform the country’s water crisis by purifying different types of water through nanotechnology and deionisation, especially benefiting rural communities.
Researchers at the National University of Engineering (UNI) have developed an innovative device capable of transforming different types of water, such as ground, sea and river water, into water suitable for human consumption, using nanotechnology and electrochemical methods. This initiative seeks to offer an effective solution to the growing water crisis affecting various regions of Peru. According to Andina news agency, the project was funded by PROCIENCIA, part of the National Council for Science, Technology and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC), and the National Training Service for the Construction Industry (SENCICO).
The device was designed mainly with rural communities in the country in mind, and applies two advanced technologies: capacitive deionisation, to eliminate salts and heavy metals, and disinfection using chlorine dioxide. According to the aforementioned media, the project’s principal researcher, Luis Sánchez Rodas, said that this development ‘could become an alternative to address the shortage of drinking water and tackle problems associated with access to this essential resource’.
The functionality of the equipment is based on a highly efficient purification system that combines nanostructured electrodes made of iridium oxide, activated carbon and zinc oxide nanoparticles. These innovations make it possible not only to desalinate water, but also to eliminate microbiological contaminants and guarantee its safe consumption. In addition, it was noted that the device has three deionisation cells, each of which uses nine pairs of electrodes to optimise the process.
On the other hand, the disinfection process is carried out through an electrochemical reactor in which electrodes coated with iridium oxide and an auxiliary platinum electrode are used. This design ensures the production of chlorine dioxide, which, according to the researchers’ explanation, is “capable of eliminating microorganisms” and guaranteeing potable water. Luis Sánchez Rodas told Andina that this technology is emerging as a key tool for tackling the challenges associated with the water crisis in the 21st century.
In addition, the device obtained results during its experimental phase in the laboratory, in which synthetic water was used. Now, the development team is preparing to test its performance in real environments, such as the treatment of salt water from beaches and rivers in different regions of Peru. The researchers are confident that these tests will allow the technology to be scaled up for use in communities with limited access to drinking water. The project, which involved an investment of 300,000 soles, involved the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of seven researchers, who sought solutions that are not only sustainable, but also accessible to the most vulnerable communities. According to the same source, the **CONCYTEC reaffirmed its commitment to ‘promote scientific research and technological innovation’ as a fundamental axis for a more equitable development in Peru.
In this context, the water crisis faced by various regions of the country represents a critical challenge that requires immediate responses. According to data highlighted by researchers interviewed by Andina, disruptive technologies such as this new device could mark a significant change in the way access to drinking water is managed, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The impact of this technological breakthrough could not only alleviate the conditions of vulnerable communities, but also lay the groundwork for better water resource management in Peru. In the words of Luis Sánchez Rodas, ‘this technology is not only a promising alternative to guarantee drinking water in rural communities, but also a key tool to face the challenges of the water crisis in the 21st century’.
This project, developed by the National University of Engineering and funded by entities such as PROCIENCIA and SENCICO, demonstrates a clear commitment to technological development with social impact. Its next steps will determine the real scope of its implementation and how it could transform the quality of life in Peru’s most needy communities.
