Hyderabad: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) in Hyderabad created a simple device to supply safe water in flood-affected regions.
During disasters, residents often struggle without clean drinking water. Local water turns polluted, and the external supply becomes difficult. To address this, IICT researchers designed a bottle-shaped portable filter that converts floodwater into potable water. They recently used the device in Jammu and Kashmir to help people during floods.
IICT portable filter uses a hollow fibre membrane
The one-litre filter relies on a hollow fibre membrane. These fibres act like a fine sieve, blocking bacteria, viruses, and other impurities. Researchers bent the fibres into a “U” shape, allowing the device to remove colour and contaminants and release purified water.
Users press the bottle to create the pressure needed for filtration. Clean water flows out instantly. According to scientists, one unit can purify up to 3,000 litres of water.
