According to Wang (2021), high levels of total
dissolved solids (TDS) in tap water can significantly
impact water quality and taste, often indicating
contamination from human activities. The study,
conducted in San Bernardino County, Southern California,
explored various household methods for reducing TDS.
While boiling proved effective at lower temperatures,
activated carbon failed to reduce TDS and even led to a
slight increase.
Furthermore, Wang's research highlights the
importance of addressing TDS levels in tap water,
especially in areas with high contamination. The study
emphasizes the need for more efficient TDS reduction
methods, as current water treatment standards often
overlook this crucial aspect of water quality. The research
provides valuable insights into the potential of household-
based water purification technologies, offering practical
solutions for improving water taste, reducing hardness,
and encouraging the use of tap water over bottled water.
The study also underscores the need for further research
and consideration of TDS levels in future water quality
regulations.
This research on TDS reduction methods leads us to
the work of Kumar et al. (2021), who conducted a
comparative study of hand-operated water purifiers. They
explored four different combinations of filtration methods
to optimize the removal of total dissolved solids (TDS)
from water samples. The study highlighted the
effectiveness of reverse osmosis membranes in removing
contaminants and the need for pre-filtration stages to
enhance the overall efficiency of the purification process.
The researchers designed and fabricated different hand-
operated water purifier prototypes, focusing on
compactness and ease of operation.
The study found that the quality of the water filtered
by the prototype device depended upon the membrane
(filter) it is using, emphasizing the crucial role of filter
design and selection in achieving optimal water quality.
The researchers considered the weight and cost of the
product, aiming to develop a practical and affordable
solution for safe drinking water access. The study
emphasized the importance of proper filter design and
selection for achieving optimal water quality and
highlighted the effectiveness of reverse osmosis
membranes in removing contaminants. The researchers
also noted the need for pre-filtration stages to enhance
the overall efficiency of the purification process. The
study provides valuable insights into the development of
efficient and affordable hand-operated water purifiers for
treating contaminated water.
These studies on water purification methods
highlight the urgent need for effective water purification
methods, particularly due to increasing water scarcity
and the prevalence of waterborne diseases. This is
further emphasized by Tabassum et al. (2023), who
highlight the limitations of traditional carbon media
filtration methods, which are widely used but can pose
health risks. They necessitate the exploration of
alternative and safer approaches. Their research delves
into various filtration methods, categorizing them based
on their effectiveness in removing different types of
contaminants.
The authors find that slow sand filtration (SSF) is a
cost-effective and sustainable method, effectively
removing pathogenic substances, turbidity, and heavy
substances through a single-step process. This method is
particularly advantageous for rural communities due to
its low maintenance and reliance on local materials,
although its low filtration rate and land requirements are
limitations. They also discuss the three-staged integrated
system method, which proves effective in removing
heavy metals and contaminants, offering a low-cost,
multi-staged design with potential for real-time
application. This method is particularly suitable for
supplying potable drinking water to large populations and
rural communities with limited resources. Finally, the
authors explore granular media filtration (GMF), which
improves water clarity by removing suspended particles
through layered filtration. Overall, the authors conclude
that a combination of biological treatments, like SSF,
represents the most effective and sustainable approach
for water filtration for drinking purposes.
This research on water purification methods,
particularly for rural communities, leads us to the work of
Tartibu and Kunene (2023), who address the critical need
for accessible and safe drinking water in developing
countries, particularly in rural communities where access
to clean water is often limited. They highlight the
challenges posed by contaminated water sources and the
importance of developing sustainable solutions. Their
research focuses on designing a water purifier system
specifically for Dumezulu village, a rural community in
South Africa, utilizing solar photovoltaic (PV) cells as a
renewable energy source.
The authors propose a system incorporating reverse
osmosis (RO) technology to remove contaminants from
the water. This system includes several components,
such as centrifugal and vertical pumps, activated carbon
and sand filters, micron filters, RO membrane filters, a
flywheel energy storage system (FESS), and a chemical
dosing pump. The research highlights the use of PV cells
as the primary energy source, emphasizing their cost-
effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for remote
areas. The authors conclude that the RO method is a
viable option for purifying contaminated water,
particularly when combined with modifications like a
dosing pump to balance pH and a FESS to provide backup
energy. This research contributes valuable insights into
the design and development of water purification
systems tailored for rural communities, promoting
sustainable and accessible access to clean drinking
water.
Then, we see the work of Filipino innovator Rodrigo
Duque, as reported by Del Rosario (2024), who has
created a portable water purification and sterilization
apparatus. This invention, driven by a desire to help
underserved communities, aims to address the crucial
need for safe drinking water in disaster-stricken areas.
Duque's device utilizes a combination of filtration and
sterilization processes, employing special filters to
remove contaminants and ozone and UV radiation to
disinfect the water.
Moreover, the portability of the device, powered by a
12-volt car battery, makes it suitable for remote areas
without access to electricity, making it a valuable tool for
disaster relief efforts. This innovation has garnered
significant recognition, winning top prizes in both regional
and national invention contests in 2018. In addition, the
Department of Science and Technology’s Technology
Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) has
played a crucial role in supporting Duque's innovation,
providing funding, intellectual property protection, and
encouraging participation in various competitions.
Furthermore, Duque's technology has also been
recognized internationally, earning a bronze medal at the
2019 International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva,
Switzerland. These accolades highlight the potential of
Duque's invention to address critical water access and
sanitation challenges in the Philippines and beyond.
