Paper equipment can identify contaminated water

Scientists have developed a simple paper device that can be used to check whether a sample of water is contaminated or not.

Inspired by litmus paper, often used to quickly assess the acidity in water - this new device includes a microbial fuel cell (MFC), obtained by silk printing of possible carbon electrodes Biodegradable on a piece of paper.

MFC cells use natural biological processes of "electric" bacteria attached to carbon electrodes to create an electrical signal.

When these bacteria come into contact with contaminated water, electrical signal changes occur, which can be used as a warning that water is not safe to drink.

Researchers from the University of Bath in the UK are studying how to connect sensors to an electronic device such as a mobile phone through a wireless transmitter to make it easier, easier for users to use, to identify Whether or not the water supply is safe.

This new device has the potential not only to quickly assess water quality, but also to be inexpensive, each device costs no more than 1 USD - but it is also environmentally friendly because the paper sensor is made up. from biodegradable mechanisms. The device is also easy to use and transport, weighing less than a gram.

Mirella Di Lorenzo, senior lecturer at Bath University, the lead author of the study published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics, said: "This work will have a significant positive impact, especially in the field. Water and biological quality testing area ' He said: "This device is a small step in helping the world follow the UN call to ensure safe access to safe drinking water." .

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